Ahoy, matey! Fourth ‘Pirates’ film to set sail

HONOLULU - Aloha, Captain Jack.

The fourth installment of Disney's popular "Pirates of the Caribbean" series will be filmed in Hawaii, according an announcement Monday by Gov. Linda Lingle.

Johnny Depp will return to his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," which will begin shooting this summer on Oahu and Kauai and be released in 2011. The film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall.

"We've always sought out the most extraordinary and exotic locations ... Hawaii provides an amazing range of both land and seascapes, and we're delighted to return for 'On Stranger Tides,'" Bruckheimer said in a statement.

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Small portions of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," were shot on Maui and Molokai.

Lingle estimated the production will generate $85 million in spending in Hawaii, which is reeling from the steep drop-off in tourism stemming from the global economic crisis.

"Hawaii competes on a global basis for productions and to have Disney choose Hawaii over other states and countries is a huge win for us," said Georja Skinner, which heads the state division that oversees the Hawaii Film Office.

Skinner said what made the difference was the combination of Hawaii's tax incentive, as well as support from the film and travel industries.

Lingle lauded Hawaii's relationship with The Walt Disney Co., saying it was a "testament to the company's confidence in our state as a great place to do business." Other Disney-involved projects in Hawaii include a new hotel-timeshare resort "Aulani" to open in 2011 and ABC's castaway drama "Lost," which has filmed in Hawaii for several years and is currently shooting its final season. ABC is owned by Disney.

"The Walt Disney Company has a great relationship with Hawaii that we're looking forward to building upon with the filming of the latest adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew," Disney President and CEO Bob Iger said.

"Pirates" is the latest of three big-budget films being shot in the islands this year. "Hereafter," directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Matt Damon, wrapped up shooting on Maui last week. Pre-production has begun for "The Descendants," starring George Clooney, with filming scheduled to begin in March.