Ian McShane – Black Beard in Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides?

I think my twitter friend JenHill may be happy. Talk about making moves to stall the tide of negativity and pessimism in a project. You put Ian McShane in any project and things are definitely getting better, and last week’s announcement of Penelope Cruz being added to cast of Pirates of the Caribbean 4 didn’t hurt either. THR is reporting that McShane is in negotiations to play the role of Black Beard, in the next chapter of Disney’s Johnny Depp starring franchise; this one set to me directed by Rob Marshall (Nine, Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha). Reportedly Pirates will not return either Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightley.

McShane played one of the – in my opinion – hands down best 10 characters in television history in Al Swearengen for HBO’s Deadwood, making him honorary BSC-crew.

Back in September we got our first look at Pirates 4, revealing the title On Stranger Tides, later confirmed to be related to then novel by top shelf author Tim Powers (one of the best in business–love that Disney cheddar is going his way). Later in the month we posted this bit by Geoffrey Rush (Captain Barbossa) who seemed enthusiastic for a sequel. I implore people to go buy the novel, as it is EXCELLENT for any readers, regardless of preferred vices.

We should expect On Stranger Tides next Summer!