Writer Hired For 'Pirates Of The Caribbean 5'

Disney has hired a writer for Pirates of the Caribbean 5.  No surprise here.  However, series star Johnny Depp has yet to sign on for the fifth installment.  Now, that doesn't necessarily mean he won't eventually -- but for the time being, the film is Depp-less.

Just being honest with myself here, the sequel will probably still move forward even if Depp doesn't agree to return.

Disney and Johnny Depp may be getting ready to set sail again as the Mouse House has tapped "Catch Me if You Can" scribe Jeff Nathanson to pen "Pirates of the Caribbean 5."

Jerry Bruckheimer is producing with Depp set to return as Captain Jack Sparrow.

Plot details are unknown, and it's not clear whether thesps from past installments, like Geoffrey Rush or Keira Knightley, would return to reprise their roles.

The "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise has grossed more than $3.5 billion worldwide with the 2011 "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" grossing more than $1 billion worldwide.

Though Depp has not yet signed on, Disney is currently developing a sequel to "Alice in Wonderland," and the actor has often said that as long as the material is good, he would be happy to return.

Source: Variety