It seems there might be a new helmer behind Johnny Depp's pirate franchise. According to Variety, Disney is close to signing on Rob Marshall to direct Pirates of the Caribbean 4.

Marshall, who directed the Best Picture Oscar winner Chicago, would take the reins from Gore Verbinski, who directed the first three films but opted out of the fourth so he could focus on Bioshock, even though that film has hit delays.

It was said that Marshall's involvement in the film wasn't immediately confirmed, but that negotiations are going smoothly enough for the studio to begin casting for new characters.

We'll certainly keep you posted on any new developments surrounding Marshall's involvement or any other news on Pirates of the Caribbean 4.