Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides seems to have found some treasure – Ian McShane (of 44 Inch Chest, Deadwood, Kung Fu Panda) has now confirmed he’s locked in to play the movie’s villain, Blackbeard.

For a while there Pirates 4 was all looking a bit pear-shaped; Orlando had stepped down, Keira walked the plank and it looked like it would be Johnny Depp sailing solo. However, then Penelope Cruz climbed aboard, Ian’s stowed away (we’re rapidly running out of piratey metaphors) and things are generally looking up for team Pirates. Slowly, it’s actually becoming a film we might actually want to see.

It looks like McShane will play opposite Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow as the dastardly baddie that Jack will need to face off against on his quest to locate the Fountain Of Youth. Still no news about the role Penelope Cruz will be playing in the watery battle, but we’re sure whatever she’s doing, we’ll enjoy it.

Is Pirates 4 planning a voyage you’d be interested in? Let us know your thoughts below!