Johnny Depp is reason enough for many people to look forward to a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie.  He’s classic as Captain Jack Sparrow and men, women and children will sit through a barely adequate script just to watch Depp become the charismatic pirate.  Now rumor has it there may be two more reasons to anticipate the upcoming Pirates movie.  Jack may have a brother, and Tim Burton may be directing!

Our proven informant (who we’re forced to keep anonymous) wants you to know the following info should be taken with a “grain of salt and a dose of pepper,” things are still in motion, but here goes anyway. Wondering how they’re going to make a whole Pirates movie with just Jack Sparrow? Or who else might return? Read on!

Most excitingly, there are talks of Captain Jack having a brother in the next movie, possibly to be played by Sacha Baron Cohen (perfect!) or Russell Brand (even more perfect!) Of course, that’s probably just fantasy casting, but why would either of those comedians turn the role down? As we’ve mentioned before, the new movie might kick off a trilogy, which would revolve around Captain Jack’s search for the Fountain of Youth.

Geoffrey Rush and director Gore Verbinski are apparently both planning to return, but… and this is a big maybe… Tim Burton might direct instead. Tim Burton! If there is a single director who could make people excited for a fourth Pirates movie, it has to be Burton.

[From CinemaBlend.com]

Russell Brand and Johnny Depp could be magic.  They have a general resemblance, especially with the eye makeup.  They’re both fearless and could certainly dial up the comedy playing off each other.  My personal preference would definitely be Brand over Sacha Baron Cohen.  It goes without saying that Geoffrey Rush is essential to any sequel, but it might be time for Verbinski to consider other projects and let new blood take over the Pirates franchise.  I think most people agree that the movies’ magnetic charm has weakened as the series has progressed.

Depp and Burton have proven time and time again how well they work together.  Tim Burton is a prolific hit movie maker and has capably handled everything from stop-motion animation to musicals.  He brings a depth of color and scenery to his movies that would serve him well in a Pirates movie, too.  If anyone could make a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie truely interesting again, beyond Depp and Rush, it’s Burton.

Header photo is of Burton and Depp at the Sweeney Todd premiere in Paris on 1/16/08. Credit: Solarpix / PR Photos. Photos below are of Burton on 1/23/08 speaking to fans in Rome Credit: Insidefoto / PR Photos