Unlike the last two Pirates of the Caribbean installments, it seems that the upcoming Pirates of Caribbean 4 is going to have a plot (zing!). Hollywood Elsewhere has supposedly confirmed the premise of the next Pirates film, which is said to be "locked in" at this point.

And, from the sound of it, the film could be good - or we could just as easily end up with another Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Check out the rumored premise for the film and you'll see exactly what I mean by that statement.

Pirates 4 will once again center on Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Co., this time as they search for the fabled Fountain of Youth. At the same time, a "Captain Nemo" style villain outfitted with advanced (for pirate times) technology tries to beat them to the punch.

Hollywood Elsewhere has made the early claim that this new villain adds a sort of steampunk element to the story. Frankly, after all the pirates/magic/monsters nonsense of The Dead Man's Chest and At World's End, I would welcome a little steampunk tech into the Pirates universe. However, like I said up top, that kind of angle - old world meets new - leaves the film vulnerable to Crystal Skull syndrome. And Pirates of the Caribbean has already jumped so far over the shark as is...

Add to all this one other curious omen: if George Lucas had had his way early on, Indy 4 would've centered on a Fountain of Youth plot. [Shudder]

Still, the first Pirates film, Curse of the Black Pearl, was a pretty enjoyable movie, in no small part because it was a standalone (read: complete and uncomplicated) story that was well told and hit all the right notes - thrilling action, good characters, good balance of comedy and some cool f/x. It really was an adventure in the same vein of Indiana Jones, and how rare and precious has THAT experience become at the movies?

keira knightly orlando bloom pirates of the caribbean

If the filmmakers don't try to overextend themselves, Pirates of the Caribbean 4 could - I'm saying COULD - reclaim some of its lost glory. Did I mention that Keira Knightley probably won't be back? Knew that would make you happy :-) .

We reported that Pirates of the Caribbean 4 could starting shooting next year. Far as I know that is still the case. Chicago director Rob Marshall is rumored to be directing.

Source: Hollywood Elsewhere