Considering that the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise has grossed over $2.7 billion worldwide, it’s no surprise that opportunistic producer Jerry Bruckheimer is itching to do many, many more of them. What is a surprise, however, is who may direct the next film.
THR reports that choreographer-turned-director, Rob Marshall (“Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Chicago”), is in talks to take over the captain’s chair from director Gore Verbinski.
After Verbinski (equipped with budgets north of $200 milliion per film) directed Johnny Depp as the bandana-clad pirate captain, Jack Sparrow, from Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio scripts, the studio is looking to continue the saga on a smaller scale. Good idea.
Marshall, who is currently finishing up the Daniel Day-Lewis musical, “Nine” for the Weinstein Co., is probably nowhere near the radar of most “Pirates” fans but having directed films that have won six Oscars, he certainly has the credentials to take over a sloppy franchise that will make money regardless of who is involved.
