Disney Hires New Writer For PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 5

Variety is reporting Disney has hired another writer to tackle the script for Pirates of The Caribbean 5. Jeff Nathanson best known for writing Catch Me If You Can and Terminal has landed the screenwriting gig. However, he also worked on Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skulls, Speed 2, Tower Heist and Rush Hour 3. A majority of these credits don't scream quality but he might be working on existing drafts. Depp is likely a sure-thing but returning cast members such as Geoffrey Rush and others are currently unknown.

Last we heard On Strange Tides director Rob Marshall confirmed franchise writer Terry Rossio was working on the script. It seemed that Marshall was open to directing it as well. However, CinemaBlend listed a group of hopefuls Disney was looking to direct the fifth installment if Rob didn't return. That list included Tim Burton (Alice In Wonderland), Sam Raimi (Oz, The Great And Powerful), Shawn Levy (Real Steal), Chris Weitz (About A Boy, A Better Life), and Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men).

Disney Could Look To Burton, Raimi, & Cuarón To Direct Pirates 5

CinemaBlend has word that Disney is eager to start developing Pirates 5 and are looking for a director. Not surprising as the fourth film is already north of $640 million. While they have a script in place from Terry Rossio as reported by HollywoodReporter. The curious thing is that Rob Marshall hasn't officially signed on to direct, yet is still wanted by the studio (just lip-service?). While successful financially the fourth film got only average reviews from critics. Blend has word that Disney is looking at Tim Burton, Sam Raimi, Shawn Levy, Alfonso Cuarón and Chris Weitz for the fifth installment.

Burton had been looked at for Pirates 4 but never signed on. He's becoming a studio stable with Alice In Wonderland, Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie and his Sleeping Beauty project Maleficent. I like the idea of Burton entering the world of Pirates but I'm not sure he would deliver a film any better than the previous ones.

Sam Raimi is directing the studio's next big fairy tale picture Oz, The Great & Powerful the Oz prequel which focuses on a young wizard. Raimi seems like the safest choice out of the bunch and could give audiences a fun film if given breathing room. My only concern is that he also had been working on pre-production for Warcraft which is likely his next film.

Alfonso Cuarón is the director that should be turning heads. His wonderful film Children of Men proved he's got the visual and storytelling chops that most directors inspired to have. Giving audiences family friendly entertainment with The Prisoner of Azkaban while keeping his dark style. Alfonso also has the promise of pumping the new blood needed to keep the franchise going. Unlike Raimi and Burton, Cuarón isn't deep in development on other large projects.

The filler choices seem to be Shawn Levy (Date Night, Real Steel) and Chris Weitz (Golden Compass) neither directors of garnered praise or success for their previous films as of yet. Levy is set to direct a remake of The Fantastic Voyage for producer James Cameron. There have also been talk of other projects with Hugh Jackman including a Real Steel sequel. Weitz seems an odd choice and left field when compared to the other candidates.

Shawn Levy To Direct Fantastic Voyage

Deadline reports that Shawn Levy (Real Steel) is set to direct the 3D remake of Fantastic Voyage. James Cameron is producing the film which has Laeta Kalogridis set to do rewrites on the script. Kalogridis is becoming known for writing massive films previously working on Avatar and Shutter Island. She's also been working on Battle Angel Alita and Ghost In The Shell adaptations.

Other directors who met with Cameron about the film included Timur Bekmambetov, Darren Aronofsky, Louis Leterrier and Jonathan Mostow. Paul Greengrass (Bourne 2-3, Green Zone) had been attached to the project at one point and it was rumored Cameron wanted Leterrier (Clash of The Titans, Incredible Hulk) to direct. I really have zero interest or expectations with this remake. Hopefully it ends up a fun adventure film either way.

Having James Cameron on board as a producer doesn't mean a film will be as good as one of his. Sanctum, which Cameron produced hasn't been doing well with critics or audiences. His silly promotional stunts (holding interviews underwater) gave hints about the quality of the film. While Levy isn't a proven action director outside his kids films he could do very well with a solid script from Laeta. Along with a decent cast and help from a solid special effects/3D camera team.