Or at least that’s what trade papers Variety and The Hollywood Reporter are saying.
At least Variety is hedging their bets, with writer Michael Fleming saying, “While [Rob Marshall’s] involvement wasn’t confirmed over the weekend, things look good enough that the studio is said to have begun casting new characters that will appear in the picture.”
THR‘s Jay A. Fernandez and Borys Kit are aiming for inciting fanboy and fangirl ire by subtly dismissing Marshall’s work on the Academy Award winning Chicago and the upcoming Nine with the Weinstein Co.: “Marshall … is not an obvious choice for a loud action-and-mayhem tentpole. But presumably, if he can corral the singing, acting and dancing talents of [his Nine stars] he can handle cannon battles, funny monkeys and angry natives.”
Me? I’m reserving judgment for the official release of the news, but one tidbit from the THR article is a bit encouraging:
When Verbinski exited the franchise in April, the studio sought a fresh take to continue the pirate voyage on a potentially smaller scale.
The encouraging part is that by having a smaller budget, they could be trying to return to the feel that made the first film such a surprising success. After all, none of Erroll Flynn’s swashbuckling movies had fancy-schmancy CG in them, and they’re still being honored with special viewings to this day—Cambridge, MA’s Brattle Theater, I’m looking at you. (They also had simpler plots that don’t require at least five different people explaining the end of it on the Movie Spoiler.com website.)
I don’t know about you, but contrary to previously reported rumors, if they either go with following Will’s adventures on the Dutchman or Elizabeth’s troubles being the Pirate King, I’d be happy with such a film. Insert a few key cameo appearances from the freaking prolific and busy Johnny Depp, and that’s a pirate film worth seeing.
Related Posts: Verbinski leaves the Pirate life, BioShock is NOT necessarily next
Mike Rouse-Deane says:
I love our Sunday newspapers yesterday saying that Disney has decided not to bring back Orlando and Kiera because of money reasons. Then later in the article quotes from Kiera saying she's done with the franchise but had the best fun out of it. A whole full page spread on basically nothing, was funny!!!
Daniel says:
I wouldn't be against a simpler Pirates movie, the last one was really…complex.
Loved the last panel in Monday's trip by the way, especially the Thundercats poster.
arkonbey says:
Am I the only one who really, really enjoyed PotC 1, but hated 2 and didn't see three?
I liked PotC 1 because it felt like a wonderful stand-alone film. Then it went and got all Indiana Jones on me.
Gordon McAlpin says:
I'm with you. 1 is a wonderful stand-alone film, though. I wouldn't say I “hated” 2 or 3, but I found them dull, nonsensical and unengaging.
TrishaLynn77 says:
No, I totally feel the same way. Pleasantly surprised and really loved the first one, went “Eh…” with the second, and broke up with the boyfriend after the third came out, so I didn't see it.
disneyactingauditions says:
Out of those five, Moral Orel had the best SEASON by far. I always find the Star Wars specials disney acting auditions problematic, because, you know, they have sketches that were broadcast before. not to mention its pretty hit or miss — i would rather season the entire show be honored if at all instead of the specials, butn c'est la vie.
robertnfrancis says:
Advice from a true fan…Pirates 4, will not be the same without Orlando bloom and Keira Knighttley. I truely have enjoyed from my heart all 3 movies. I also have purchased all 3. And,I would love to add Pirates 4 to my collection but, disney acting auditions without all the original stars,this may be a very hard decision to make. I've enjoyed all of Johnny Depp's movies. Public Enemy was great! So,please..try your best to have them all on Pirates 4,I just know it'll be a hit.
robertnfrancis says:
Advice from a true fan…Pirates 4, will not be the same without Orlando bloom and Keira Knighttley. I truely have enjoyed from my heart all 3 movies. I also have purchased all 3. And,I would love to add Pirates 4 to my collection but, disney acting auditions without all the original stars,this may be a very hard decision to make. I've enjoyed all of Johnny Depp's movies. Public Enemy was great! So,please..try your best to have them all on Pirates 4,I just know it'll be a hit.