Depp excited about next 'Pirates' outing

Johnny Depp is "excited" about 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4'. The actor - who plays Captain Jack Sparrow in the franchise - is also set to play Tonto in a new 'Lone Ranger' movie but Disney chiefs are first committed to making the swashbuckling adventure their biggest "priority."

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer said: "It's a great franchise for them and for us, too. We love the character and Johnny was really excited about coming back to Captain Jack. He certainly is interested in Tonto, but Disney's priority is to get 'Pirates.' made first. You never know what's going to happen, but they would like it."

Jerry - who promised the next instalment will be "funny" and a "new way of going" - also revealed original director Gore Verbinski may return for the new movie.

The filmmaker had originally departed to helm 'BioShock' but after recently suggesting he may not make the video game adaptation, the door has been left open for him to direct 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4'.

Jerry added to ComingSoon.net: "He created the franchise so we'd love to have him back but it's kind of up to him."