In fourth “Pirates” Penelope Cruz to romance Johnny Depp

In fourth “Pirates” Penelope Cruz to romance Johnny Depp Last month, it was revealed that Oscar winner Penelope Cruz would reunite with “Nine” director Rob Marshall and sail the seven seas as a cast member on the upcoming “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” Now details are emerging about Cruz’s role, and her connection to lead buccaneer Johnny Depp.

Speaking with MTV, “Pirates” producer Jerry Bruckheimer recently said Cruz will play the daughter of legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane, “Deadwood”). Bruckheimer elaborated, saying there would be “a little romance between (Depp’s) Captain Jack and the character Penelope plays.”

“Pirates 4″ is expected to start filming in June, and targets a May 20, 2011 release date.

“We’re gonna take a whole new direction,” said Bruckheimer. “But Johnny’s gonna be back as Captain Jack. It’s a continuation of what you saw the last time, he’s searching for the Fountain of Youth.”

Though original stars Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom have decided not to return, it sounds like Bruckheimer found more-than-worthy replacements in Cruz and McShane. Plus, Depp’s gonzo portrayal of Sparrow is the helium that keeps this hot air balloon afloat. Does he have enough sparkle left to carry another installment of the franchise? We’ll find out soon enough.