A Final Pirate Trailer...

Yo ho, and a bottle of rum...






Finally, a "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" trailer that actually makes me want to see it...

The last couple of trailers for POTC 4 have been ok, but have mainly played up Johnny Depp being in the film. They haven't left me all that excited, even though I planned on seeing them. I love pirates so I would go see it no matter what. But this one actually shows some of the story, and some of the new world that this film will inhabit. And it looks like a place I would want to enter.

Now there is a good reason to take a drink of this rum...

The Blackest Beard...

Well, shiver me timbers...






No sooner had I mentioned I couldn't wait to see Ian McShane's one-sheet than it appears...

Well, it came out yesterday, but I've been away from Blue Sky Headquarters, so I wasn't able to post it till now. Of course, it doesn't show any action, it's a character sheet for "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." And although he doesn't look like what I expected, I know that McShane will deliver an amazing performance. I know that his character is based on the real pirate, but it's a story involving more myth than the man. Still, it would be nice to see them incorporate some of the real man's history into this pirate fairy tale. Perhaps if the tone and scope of this film is closer to the original, we can expect the second trilogy to materialize in a less chaotic way.

But this is Hollywood and wishing that might be a little unrealistic...

UPDATE: If you'd like to see the collection of all the character one-sheets, then head over to Coming Soon's post here.

Oh Captain, My Captain...

We named the monkey part four...






Walt Disney Pictures has released another character one-sheet for the next Pirates adventure...

Geoffrey Rush/Hector Barbossa appears in this poster for "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," with that crazy eye glaze that tells you to stay away because he's just a bit wacky. I don't mind Elizabeth and Will missing from these stories, but I'm glad Sparrow's foil and nemesis has not been left out of these new adventures. I can't wait to see one with Ian McShane as Edward Teach.

Setting sail in less than two months...

The Fourth Post...

Yo, ho, yo, ho...







The first poster for "Pirates of the Caribbean : On Stranger Tides" has been released...

Wonder what they're trying to sell here? Obviously, Jack Sparrow is playing an important role in this, but it'll be nice when we get to see Ian McShane and other in a more flashing sheet.

I can't wait to see how they continue the storyline from the original trilogy into this trilogy.

Yes, I know, you heard me say that. It's not earth shattering, and it doesn't require brain surgery to come to this conclusion. One doesn't have to have their head in Fantasyland to realize what success will mean for this franchise in film and attractions. A hit is a hit.

But if this one is a hit you can believe that there will be more to follow..

Stranger Trailer...

Yo, ho, ho buckets of bootey...




The first trailer for Walt Disney Pictures' "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" has been released...

So you won't have to wait till you see "Tron Legacy" this weekend to view it.

I smell the beginning of a new trilogy, or maybe that's just the rum...

Message In A Bottle...

Yo, ho, yo, yo...


Those that were lucky enough to get in to the "Tron Legacy" panel got more than a few surprises...

One of those was a message from a rum drunk captain by the name of Jack Sparrow.

Enjoy his rantings, and his bloody mary...

The Plot Thickens...

Walt Disney Pictures has released the plot of their fourth Pirate film...

In a press release, the Mouse has given us a little more information about the story of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" for fans to mull over till next summer:

Walt Disney Pictures'/Jerry Bruckheimer Films' Comedy Adventure "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" in Disney Digital 3D(TM) Begins Production.

Johnny Depp returns to his Academy Award(R)-nominated role of Captain Jack Sparrow, joined by Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally, Astrid Berges-Frisbey and Sam Claflin in Fourth Entry of Blockbuster Franchise..

Production has commenced on location in Hawaii, the United Kingdom and Los Angeles on Walt Disney Pictures' and Jerry Bruckheimer Films' sweeping comedy adventure "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," directed by Rob Marshall ("Chicago"), the fourth entry in the blockbuster franchise which has already reaped $2.7 billion in worldwide box office from the previous three films, and the first to be filmed and presented in Disney Digital 3D(TM). Johnny Depp
returns to his iconic, Academy Award(R)-nominated role of Captain Jack Sparrow, newly joined by Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz ("Vicky Cristina Barcelona," Rob Marshall's "Nine"), Ian McShane (HBO's "Deadwood") and newcomers Astrid Berges-Frisbey and Sam Claflin. Also rejoining Johnny Depp and Captain Jack are Academy Award-winner and three-time nominee Geoffrey Rush ("Shine," "Shakespeare in Love") and Kevin R. McNally (first three "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, "Valkyrie"). The film is slated to open May 20, 2011.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise --this time in Disney Digital 3D(TM). In this action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise, Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), and he's not sure if it's love--or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

Rush reprises his role as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa, and Kevin R. McNally returns as Captain Jack's longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs. Claflin stars as a stalwart missionary, while Berges-Frisbey is transformed into a mysterious mermaid.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is written by "Pirates" veterans Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. The executive producers are Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Barry Waldman, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio and John DeLuca.

Joining Bruckheimer and Marshall for the new voyage is a top-flight group of award-winning behind-the-scenes artists, including director of photography Dariusz Wolski (first three "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland"), production designer John Myhre (two-time Academy Award(R) winner for Marshall's "Chicago" and "Memoirs of a Geisha"), costume designer Penny Rose (all three "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time"), visual effects supervisor Charles Gibson, who won an Academy Award for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," Oscar(R) winner and eight-time nominee special effects supervisor John Frazier ("Pirates of the Caribbean" films," "Pearl Harbor") and stunt coordinator George Marshall Ruge, who also devoted his talents to the previous three "Pirates" films as well as Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer's "National Treasure" franchise. The editors include two Oscar winners, Michael Kahn ("Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time") and David Brenner ("Born on the Fourth of July"), as well as Wyatt Smith (Marshall's "Nine").

Rob Marshall's first three films, "Chicago," "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Nine," have been honored with a total of 23 Academy Award(R) nominations. For his work on "Chicago," winner of six Oscars(R) including Best Picture, Marshall received the Director's Guild Award, an Oscar nomination, a Golden Globe Award(R) nomination, a BAFTA nomination The National Board of Review Award and the New York Film Critics Online Award. A six-time Tony Award(R) nominee and George Abbott Award winner, Marshall's extensive work on Broadway includes co-director and choreographer of the worldwide award-winning production of "Cabaret" and director/choreographer of the Broadway revival of "Little Me," along with many others. He also produced, directed and choreographed the NBC television special "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," which earned seven Emmy Awards(R), including three for Marshall, and directed and choreographed Disney/ABC's critically acclaimed movie musical "Annie," which received 12 Emmy nominations with two wins, including Marshall for Outstanding Choreography; it also won the prestigious Peabody Award.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" will film on the islands of Kauai and Oahu, Hawaii, followed by locations and studio work in the United Kingdom and Los Angeles.

Can't wait for the trailer...

Reporting History...

This just in...

Nikke Finke over at Deadline Hollywood is reporting that "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" will be in 3D!!!

TOLDJA! Amazing! Unbelievable! A revelation! I am stunned that this has happened! Nowhere on the web have I...

Ever...

Heard...

This...

Before...

Casting Fourth...

Yo, ho, ho, ho...


With all the casting news lately for Walt Disney Pictures "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" we can finally start seeing a bit of how the story will play out...

A little.

I mean, let's take who we know is in the film first of all, and then examine who each of them will be playing.

Captain Jack Sparrow - Duh. The classic Disneyland attraction may have been created without him, but the film series depends on this roguish character as much as Raiders of the Lost Ark relies on Indiana Jones. It's hard to believe this character at one time was being thought of for Matthew McConaughey. Then again, it's hard to believe that Tom Selleck was going to by Indy.

Captain Hector Barbossa - Although it's not official, Geoffrey Rush has talked about returning and with the plot line that ends in "At World's End" it only seems natural that Barbossa would chase Sparrow looking for revenge and that map. He's the perfect foil to Sparrow, even if not the perfect villain in part four.

Joshamee Gibbs - Jack's right hand man should likely see adventure again so long as the crew under Captain Rob Marshall see fit. Where would Sparrow be without Gibbs to help him out of a tight spot or an empty flask of rum?

Pintel - Barbossa's short, puggish and blunt member of the crew was hilarious and a great straight man to Ragetti. These two make a great 1700'a Abbott and Costello. These two would more than likely be in tow with Captain Hector.

Ragetti - The funny man in this two man comedy act. String bean tall, dim whitted and one eyed crew member won't be seen far from Pintel. Like Yen and Yang, they go together.

Blackbeard/Edward Teach/Edward Thatch - The scourge of the high seas. The perfect villain if played/written correctly. I wondered where he was in the Pirate World when watching the original series and now that's going to be answered. I'm excited to see how McShane plays him. If there is any pirate to be a bad guy, it's Edward Teach. The mythos surrounding him lend itself to some great sea tales.

Blackbeard's Daughter - Who would have known that the pirate had a daughter? And who would have thought she would be as hot as Penelope Cruz? I'm sure the character is designed to be a love interest for Jack Sparrow. That would be a nice change since the love angle in the original series was set up for Will/Elizabeth.

Syrena - The lovely and alluring mermaid, Astrid Berges-Frisbey will play a siren of seas that will most likely play out in another fantasy world like Davey Jones Locker. I wonder if she'll have seashells strategically placed and sing songs about the world of humans?

Philip - A youthful missionary named Sam Claflin. This character will possibly be a moral point, by which I mean, a way to give exposition to the story. Or at least someone to offer prayers when Blackbeard makes Sparrow walk the plank.

Scram - A loathsome pirate played by Stephen Graham. Not much else is known about the character, but since it was announced in the trades I expect the character to play a central role in the plot.

So we know a little about the people that populate this fourth film. Slowly, the world expands and as the weeks pass I'm sure we'll see and learn more of this new voyage.

Dead men tell no tells...

Arrrrrloha, Matey...

The Mouse is determined to let everyone know that POTC 4 is a go...

Johnny Depp must be happy with the script for the sequel to the his most famous character or at least he's confidant enough to be moving ahead. I don't think Walt Disney Pictures would be mentioning a release date, cast, crew and a general start date if they weren't positive that Captain Jack was on board.

It appears that much of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" will be shot in Hawaii (specifically Kauai and Oahu). Not a bad place to shoot a film, if you ask me. So I guess that the Fountain of Youth is in the Islands, of all places. Disney keeps making references to a continued commitment to Hawaii, with the new Resort Hotel, Cruise Line possibilities, LOST, ect. and I someday dream of them deciding to go all out and building an entire resort (hotels, theme park, shopping areas) designed a new variation of Port Disney concept there. Perfect spot, don't you think? But it would be an expensive proposition that I don't see them approving in these troubled financial times. But I can dream, can't I?

Back to the film. I know people have referred to Hawaii as a paradise, but I guess Jack Sparrow had some inside knowledge based on that little map he had. We don't know where the actual setting of the film will be, but if they're going to remotely follow the book, I'd say it's going to be in the Caribbean somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. But they'll be filming in the Pacific Ocean... hmmm? I wonder if New Orleans is going to play any role in this film. And then there's the ultimate pirate villain that will likely be causing Sparrow and Barbossa many problems. Now, I can't wait to hear about this new script. Actually, I'm debating if I should read it if/when I get it or wait for the actual film.

It is after all, only one more summer away...

Setting Sail, Officially...

Well, well, when it comes to release dates, Apple isn't the only one who has them...

Walt Disney Pictures has officially announced the release date of their next film about a certain captain. I don't know this for sure, but for such a firm statement about a delivery date, I'd think something would have had to be put in ink. Perhaps egos and trepidations have been put at ease? Perhaps. But remember this date:

May 20, 2011.

It's an awfully lot closer than it appears...

Hat Tip to Adam.

Stranger Things...

It appears the coincidence isn't...

El Guapo over at Latino Review did some detective work and talked to the agent of Tim Powers, whose book, "On Stranger Tides" shares the same name as Disney's upcoming Pirate film. She didn't say much, but what she did say means that Disney is either adapting or using part of the book as the premise for Jack Sparrow's new adventure.

So, it appears that Cap'n Jack may face a new villain. First he faced Barbossa, then Davy Jones and now... Blackbeard. Check out the exclusive report at the site right here. Which is stranger? Truth or fiction?

We'll soon find out...

Sparrow's Next Journey Has A Name...

That's the title of the fourth film in Walt Disney Pictures swashbuckling series...

Johnny Depp was apparently there as well as "The Bruck" too. Dick Cook announced that the official title of the next Cap'n Jack adventure is "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."

Hmmm... interesting. Latino Review's El Guapo says there's a book by that name and it's about pirates. I wonder if it's an adaption of that story or just a coincidence?

Sailing into theaters in summer 2011...