Ian McShane to play Blackbeard in Pirates of the Caribbean 4

When we first heard that Blackbeard would be involved in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides I immediately thought that Gary Oldman would suit the role (just like he suits almost every role). Then with Rob Marshall coming aboard to direct there was a small possibility that he may decide to bring Daniel-Day Lewis with him from Nine to play the role (as he recently did with Penelope Cruz).

Both of those name actors would have been great Blackbeard’s; however it is often the less obvious choices that result in the best casting decisions.

According to Heat Vision British actor Ian McShane is in talks to play the villian Blackbeard in the next Pirates outing. Over recent years McShane has provided his voice to Coraline and Kung Fu Panda, and has starred in TV shows Deadwood and Kings.

From what we have heard so far it appears Blackbeard and Sparrow will both be going after the Fountain of Youth. I hope the inclusion of Blackbeard doesn’t mean Barbossa will be out of the picture, as Geoffrey Rush’s character was one of the best things about the trilogy. Johnny Depp recently confirmed that Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly wouldn’t be returning, but we knew that already.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will begin filming this summer in Hawaii, and will be released next May.