Merrick here...
In the early days of the project, from the outside looking in at least, it felt like Disney's forthcoming PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES would be something of a one-off. Nothing implicitly stated as much, and no particular bit of info ruled out further adventures with Captain Jack & Co. It was just a vibe - reinforced as recently as a few months ago by a time tested, highly trustworthy source who told me, in no uncertain terms, that ON STRANGER TIDES could well be the last POTC movie made for the big screen.
What a difference a few months make, I guess. And how that tone has changed.
In early December we got word that consideration was being given to filming theoretical fifth and sixth installments in the franchise back-to-back. Then, a day or two ago, Johnny Depp spoke openly and positively about returning as Jack Sparrow for further jaunts - "As long as we can put all the puzzle pieces together..." - in THIS piece over at Entertainment Weekly. And now, Deadline says that Terry Rossio has closed a deal to write a fifth PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN adventure. While no reference to the conjectured sixth installment is made, the article does indicate that movement is already underway to return ON STRANGER TIDES director Rob Marshall for the next picture.
Rossio, who scripted all previous POTC films with longtime cohort Ted Elliot. appears to be tackling number 5 solo at this time. An interesting and noteworthy development - wonder where that'll lead?
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