Weary of 'PIRATES,' Verbinski turns attention to 'Bioshock' (VAR)

By Nancy Tartaglione

Gore Verbinski is hanging up his pirate hat. The director who brought the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy to life has told Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer that he will not helm the fourth installment, reports Variety. Johnny Depp is set to reprise his Jack Sparrow role in the latest film, which is in development, but not yet greenlit. Variety says it is unknown how Verbinski's departure will affect the film's schedule.

"I had a fantastic time bringing 'Pirates' to life, and I am eternally grateful to Jerry, Johnny and the rest of the creative and production team," Verbinski said. "I'm looking forward to all of us crossing paths again in the future."

(Verbinski is not the only "Pirates" alum to abandon ship. Co-star Keira Knightley recently said she believes her pirating days to be over.)

Verbinski will turn his attention instead to other projects that include "Bioshock," a Universal Pictures adaptation of the bestselling video game that is likely to be his next film as a director.

Verbinski's Blind Wink Prods. is developing several other potential directing vehicles, including "Clue," and a drama based on a Wall Street Journal article about the online fantasy role-playing world, notes Variety.