February 23, 2010 
source: slashfilm.com
Everyone’s favourite saloon keeper, Ian McShane, is in talks to play Blackbeard in the fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
McShane will join Johnny Depp (once again reprising his role as Jack Sparrow) and Penelope Cruz (who is playing an unknown character that is “Sparrow’s foil and equal in many ways”).
However, not returning to the high seas are Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, despite having starred in the first three Pirates films. Depp confirmed that they would not be involved in the fourth picture, which frankly, isn’t surprising at all.
Blackbeard (otherwise known as Edward Teach) was a real life pirate best known for piloting the ship the Queen Anne’s Revenge. He ruled the seas during the early 1700s, operating around the West Indies and the eastern coast of the American colonies.
On Stranger Tides is based on Tim Powers’ pirate novel, which focuses on Blackbeard and the Fountain of Youth.
It will begin production mid-2010 for a May 20, 2011 release. Rob Marshall will direct.
Discuss: More McShane and less Bloom? I’m in.
Quickflix 
Can't wait to watch it!