Depp aboard for fourth 'Pirates' voyage

ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at the Walt Disney Co.'s D23 Expo in Anaheim to announce his participation in a fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" flick.

The Los Angeles Times said about 5,000 fans greeted Depp, dressed as his iconic screen character, Jack Sparrow, at Friday's event.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: In Strange Waters" is expected to arrive in theaters in 2012. Depp's previous three "Pirates" flicks have earned about $1 billion at the U.S. box office.

The actor will also be seen in the coming Disney pictures "Alice in Wonderland" and "The Lone Ranger."