Disney eyeing Rob Marshall for 'Pirates'

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. entertainment company Walt Disney is eyeing Rob Marshall to direct the fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, unidentified sources say.

Variety reported Friday if the Walt Disney Co. does hire Marshall to direct the newest "Pirates" sequel, production could begin sometime in 2010.

The director's post for the fourth film in the profitable film franchise has been vacant since Gore Verbinski, director of the first three, decided to pursue an alternative movie project.

The first three "Pirates" films have grossed $2.6 billion worldwide for Disney to date.

Sources said Disney officials and "Pirates" producer Jerry Bruckheimer have begun casting for the fourth flick, supporting speculation Marshall will be on board soon.

Among Marshall's directorial efforts are "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Chicago."