"Pirates of the Caribbean 5" is moving forward and Disney has shortlisted three directors for the next film.
Deadline is reporting that Fredrik Bind (The Necessary Death Of Charlie Countryman) Joachim Rønning, and Espen Sandberg (Kon-Tiki) and Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Hunstman) are in contention to helm the film.
According to the website the "Kon-Tiki" duo seems to be at the top of the list, but offers have not been made and additional meetings will need to take place before anything moves forward.
Jeff Nathanson will write the script of the film. He is best known for his work on "Rush Hour 2 and 3," "Catch Me If You Can," and "The Terminal." Johnny Depp is slated to reprise his role as Jack Sparrow but has already said that he will only return for another film if the script is good. He stated, it "boils down to story, script and filmmaker." As a result many believe that he will have some input on who may helm the next movie.
The first three films were directed by Gore Verbinski and received a total of 11 Academy Award nominations including one for Depp (Best Actor). Rob Marshall stepped in for the fourth film "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." The movies series has already grossed a lucrative sum of over $3 billion dollars worldwide. Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer will once again be on board to finance the film.
"Pirates 5" is slated for a July 10, 2015 release with production expected to begin late this year or early next year. The director will be chosen in the next few weeks and casting will begin shortly after