Pirates of the Caribbean 4 | Pirates of the Caribbean 4 Release Date

As detailed in The Art of the Pirates of the Caribbean, the proposed story for the fourth film was for Sparrow and Barbossa to meet up in the newly founded New Orleans, before they sail to find the Fountain of Youth together. Johnny Depp signed on to return in September 2008, and Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio began writing under the guidance of producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The film is set for release in 2012.

Geoffrey Rush has expressed interest in returning as Barbossa. Director Gore Verbinski will not return to direct so he can focus on other projects.Beforehand, Verbinski was hesitant about directing, citing the incomplete scripts he worked with filming the sequels.Keira Knightley has stated that she does not wish to continue playing her character of Elizabeth Swann as she wants to do different projects.

In June 2009, Bruckheimer stated Disney would prefer Pirates of the Caribbean 4 be released before The Lone Ranger film he, Depp, Elliott and Rossio had been working on for release in 2010. He also hoped Verbinski would return to direct after his BioShock adaptation had been put on hold.