New ‘Pirates’ film slated for 2011; Depp to reprise role as Capt. Jack Sparrow

Depp back for new ‘Pirates’ film coming in 2011

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Avast! Disney says a new “Pirates of the Caribbean” film is on yonder horizon.

Johnny Depp sailed onstage Friday on a pirate ship at the Anaheim Convention Center to help announce the forthcoming installment of Disney’s blockbuster film franchise. He was welcomed with a rousing standing ovation.

Depp will reprise his role as Capt. Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” slated for summer of 2011. It’s the fourth in a series.

Dressed as Sparrow, Depp staggered around the stage and embraced Walt Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook, who announced the news to about 5,000 fans on hand for the D23 Expo, Disney’s answer to Comic-Con.

“Has anyone else witnessed a talking frog?” Depp’s Sparrow asked the crowd, who had been treated to a performance by the Muppets moments earlier. “Where has the frog gone?”

Cook noted that it was likely time for some rum.

“Sounds good!” Sparrow predictably replied.

In his presentation of upcoming Disney films, Cook also announced that Depp would play Tonto in an upcoming big-screen adaptation of “The Lone Ranger.”

The first all-things-Disney convention runs through Sunday.

On the Net:

d23.disney.go.com/