Ian McShane Cast as Blackbeard in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4
Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides just got a hell of a lot more interesting with the casting of Deadwood's Ian McShane as the legendary Blackbeard the pirate! This is pretty awesome casting, and is the only reason why I have any interest in seeing this fourth Piarates of the Caribbean film.
With Rob Marshall replacing Gore Verbinski in the director's chair and a franchise that seems to have gone as far is it can go, this fourth movie carries over very little appeal. Plus the third Pirates film seemed to leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Maybe Marshall will bring in something fresh and different to the series.
McShane joins Johnny Depp, who's reprising his role of Captain Jack Sparrow, and Penelope Cruz.
The next film in the Pirates franchise is based on Tim Powers’ pirate novel On Stranger Tides which was optioned by Disney years ago. The novel tells the story of Blackbeard and the Fountain of Youth. Here’s the plot of the novel:
Puppeteer John Chandagnac, bound for Jamaica to recover stolen money from his uncle, becomes Jack Shandy after pirates attack his ship and force him to join their crew. Shandy’s struggle to accept his new life grounds the story for readers, even as Blackbeard and vodun magicians whisk everyone away to dreamlike lands where the Fountain of Youth itself awaits. The chaotic sea battles sing, though at times key events happen so quickly that they get lost in the shuffle as Jack tries to comprehend where he’s going and what’s at stake.
McShane is perfect casting for Blackbeard also known as Edward Teach -- who piloted the ship Queen Anne's Revenge.. The guy fits the role so well. This is a Disney film, so I doubt we'll see a vulgar Deadwood-style pirate in the movie.
What are your thoughts on McShane play Blackbeard?
