Walt Disney Pictures has nearly completed principal casting on the upcoming franchise sequel Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales with Variety today reporting that the studio is keen on locking the film’s final lead before taking a break for the holidays. According to the outlet, the role in question is that of a young woman whose character specifics are currently being kept under wraps. It is noted, however, that the character serves as a romantic interest to “Henry,” a British soldier that will played by The Giver and Maleficent star Brenton Thwaites.
Among the actresses said to be up for the part are Lucy Boynton (Miss Potter, Ballet Shoes), Alexandra Dowling (Hammer of the Gods, “The Musketeers”), Kaya Scodelario (The Maze Runner, “Skins”), Jenna Thiam (Vie sauvage, “The Returned”) and Gabriella Wilde (Endless Love, Carrie).
Whomever is cast will join Thwaites opposite Johnny Depp, reprising his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow, Geoffrey Rush, returning as Captain Barbossa, and Javier Bardem, debuting as the film’s villain, Captain Brand. Although unconfirmed, rumors have persisted that this film may see the return of Orlando Bloom’s William Turner as well.
Although full plot details are not yet available, the film is said to see Brand as a ghost hellbent on getting revenge against Sparrow, blaming the rake for the death of his brother.
The most recent chapter in the highly-successful franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, was released in the summer of 2011 and impressively grossed more than one billion dollars at the worldwide box office.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is set for a Queensland, Australia production. Kon-Tiki helmers Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg will direct with Jerry Bruckheimer back to produce. Look for it to hit theaters on July 7, 2017.
(Photo Credit: Lia Toby / FayesVision / WENN.com)
