When D23 and Johnny Depp announced that the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean installment would follow up its colon with On Stranger Tides, it didn't take the Internet long to point out that there was already a pirate story carrying that title. It seemed an unlikely coincidence since Tim Powers' book also starred a pirate named Jack, and centered on a quest for the Fountain of Youth.Well, X marks the spot, apparently, as Powers confirmed to Hero Complex that Disney did indeed option his 1987 novel three years ago, and that he's been eagerly sitting on the news for all that time. As the author is quick to point out, his Jack "Shandy" Chandagnac and Jack Sparrow have little in common, and he's unsure as to how Disney will adapt his book to the Pirates of the Caribbean mold. "I've watched all the movies several times, of course, and I think the clear thing they would use is the trip to the Fountain of Youth. My main character doesn't overlap with Jack Sparrow at all [in personality or circumstance]; they're totally different characters. I suppose they might overlap the Geoffrey Rush character Barbossa and Blackbeard. The only thing I feel certain they will hold on to is the Fountain of Youth since they telegraphed that at the end of the last movie."
Powers' biggest concern isn't whether Disney will keelhaul his plotline, but whether the film will end up in Davy Jones' locker now that Depp's enthusiasm has waned. His hearty advice? "Nobody talk to each other, everyone just stand and smile, don't do anything to mess this up, let's keep this going, OK?"
1. Huh... I don't know if that's a good thing or not, since I didn't read the book.. I just hope it's not as cheesy an adventure story as it sounds- Barbossa will be killed and Sparrow will fall in love with some tipsy pirate chick.. :P
I was kindof hoping Barbossa and Jack would be on the same page for once, especially if they are planning on doing **another** one after this- those two really make the whole movie.
Posted at 2:45PM on Oct 7th 2009 by Kiaya