There’s news that Johnny Depp isn’t on board for more than just the one additional Pirates movie that he’s already committed to. We heard straight from Depp two weeks ago that he was less enthusiastic about the fourth Pirate installment following the abrupt departure of his friend and ally, Disney studio chief Dick Cook. Depp said “There’s a fissure, a crack in my enthusiasm at the moment [for Pirates],” and explained that Cook stood up for him and that he trusted him. “I consider Dick a friend inside an insane system. He’s someone I understand and I think he understands me.”

MTV reported that Depp hadn’t yet officially signed a contract for the fourth Pirates, and that he was “waiting to approve the script.” This sparked speculation that Depp wasn’t on board for another Pirates movie. Disney in turn stated through a rep that Depp was fully committed to the fourth Pirates film but that they of course couldn’t comment on additional sequels.

The last two films thoroughly sucked, but they made a lot of money and Disney will probably keep cranking out Pirates sequels until they’ve bled the franchise dry. It wouldn’t seem quite the same without the original lovable naughty rogue in the Captain Jack role. Without Depp and Orlando Bloom (who has said he’s not on board for a sequel) we’ll need some suitable eye candy to help us get through the thoroughly confusing plot. There’s speculation that Disney is necessarily considering replacements, though, and that their boy Zac Efron is a contender. Other names mentioned by MTV are Robert Pattinson, Ryan Gosling, and James Franco:

According to a tip received by Cinema Blend, the studio is preparing to replace Depp if/when he decides to abandon ship. This may not happen with “On Stranger Tides,” as Disney is likely prepared to offer him as much money as it takes to keep him aboard. The actor, who is said to be aware the last two movies “sucked,” will definitely not be sticking around for the fifth and sixth installments if the tipster is to be believed.

Is this sad news for us Jack Sparrow lovers? Certainly, but I don’t believe it’s the end of the world for the “Pirates” franchise. Yes, Jack Sparrow — and Depp’s portrayal of him — is terrific and hardly replaceable, but there are other wonderful actors out there who could at least steer the series on their own. And anyway, it might actually be refreshing to follow the adventures of another sort of pirate — a character unlike (and therefore incomparable to) Sparrow.

The plot of “On Stranger Tides,” which Geoffrey Rush claims may begin shooting next spring, could easily work as a changing of the guard.

It was widely believed until last week that “Tides”‘ story will come at least in part from Tim Powers’ novel, “On Stranger Tides,” which Disney owns the rights to. Powers confirmed last Monday that the fourth movie will “use elements” of the book.

Powers’ novel involves a pirate’s search for the Fountain of Youth. The story leaves room for a young newcomer, a character who aids the pirates in their search for the mythic location, to come aboard. While this could turn out to be Orlando Bloom’s role in the next movie, it seems possible that Disney might use that character instead as a Sparrow replacement. Of course, the studio will need more than just a pretty face if they hope to rival — and/or replace — Depp’s iconic pirate.

It’s easy to be cynical and believe Disney would screw it up by casting someone like Zac Efron or Shia LaBeouf as the new lead. Just as nobody wants to see LaBeouf completely take over the “Indiana Jones” franchise — yet — without Harrison Ford, few of these sorts of rising stars are acceptable fill-ins for Depp.

However, I could see the following young men inventing an eccentric character worthy of captaining the series: James Franco; Ryan Gosling; Ben Whishaw; Anton Yelchin; and of course Robert Pattinson (more because of his Dali portrayal in “Little Ashes” than his “Twilight” vampire).

[From MTV]

While Robert Pattinson seems like he could make a decent Captain Jack if he’s capable of playing a role other than an emotionless cutout vampire, I bet Zac Efron will be Johnny’s sidekick and eventual replacement, as has been rumored for some time. Efron already has a relationship with Disney through the HSM series, and he seems like the logical, if not the most convincing choice. Efron said last year that he’d love to meet Johnny Depp and get career pointers from him. I bet he’ll gladly follow in Depp’s footsteps. Kaiser told me that out of that list Sparkles R-Pattz would be the best choice though. I’ll have to check out his turn as Dali in the Little Ashes biopic when it’s finally available on DVD as he’s still Edward Cullen to me. It’s possible all of this debate will be moot, though, and that Disney will wisely decide to put the Pirates series down after this last episode. Who knows, maybe they’ll hire new writers and a new director and come up with something decent. Doubt it.

Johnny Depp is shown at the Public Enemies UK premiere on 6/29/09. Credit: WENN.com