Ian McShane As Blackbeard In Pirates of the Caribbean 4?

Ian McShane is reportedly in talks to star in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Disney’s fourth installment in the franchise.

McShane starred in HBO’s western Deadwood and NBC’s Kings. He’s also lent his voice for Caroline and Kung Fu Panda. He can be seen in the pic 44 Inch Chest.

If McShane does sign on, he will play Blackbeard, the infamous pirate and villain in the movie that Johnny Depp‘s Captain Jack Sparrow will have to face off against as he seeks out the Fountain of Youth.

Rob Marshall will direct from a script by Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot, which is said to focus on the legendary Fountain of Youth.

Rossio and Elliot also wrote the previous Pirates.

Johnny Depp has signed to return as Captain Jack Sparrow.

Penelope Cruz is also apparently in negotiations to star in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, who we recently reported would join the cast as a nemesis to Sparrow.

Jerry Bruckheimer returns as producer.

The film is currently set for a May 20, 2011 release date.

Black Beard , Edward Teach