"Pirates" Director Pulls Out of Film Series' Fourth Installment

Keira Knightley was the first to jump the "Pirates of the Caribbean" ship, turning down the chance to reprise her role as Elizabeth Swann in a fourth installment of the film series. Now, the franchise has been dealt another heavy blow- director Gore Verbinski, who directed the first three films, has informed Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer that he too will not be returning for a fourth film.

Verbinski said:

"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. I'm looking forward to all of us crossing paths again in the future."

The film trilogy has to date taken in more than $2.7 billion in box office receipts globally. The only good news that has come so far for the yet-to-be-made fourth film is that Johnny Depp - the films' star - has signed on to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow. The fourth film is due to begin shooting in 2010.