Congratulations to Ted Elliott!
It seems that Disney has closed a deal with "Pirates of the Caribbean" screenwriter Terry Rossio to write the fifth installment in the studio's lucrative franchise, but his longtime writing partner Elliott has apparently jumped ship, according to Deadline, which also reports that the studio wants director Rob Marshall to return for another voyage.
Elliott is surely passing up a seven-figure treasure trove, but walking the plank could turn out to be the best career move he's ever made aside from getting involved with the Disney juggernaut in the first place. While I've never been a big fan of the "Pirates" franchise (don't hold it against me but it's strictly kids stuff), Elliott is too talented to spend more than a decade of his career writing corny dialogue for Capt. Jack Sparrow.
Speaking of Capt. Jack, the structure of Johnny Depp's deal reportedly calls for the Oscar-nominated actor to reprise the iconic role in a fifth film, although he still isn't locked in yet.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is currently in post-production. Disney is scheduled to release the tentpole on May 20.
