Gore Verbinski, director of the enormously successful Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, has informed Disney and POTC producer Jerry Bruckheimer that he will not direct the fourth installment of the series. Variety’s Michael Fleming reports that Verbinski has chosen instead to focus on Universal’s Bioshock, an adaptation of a popular video game with a script by John Logan. Verbinski will make Bioshock when he finishes work on his animated feature Rango, which stars Johnny Depp and Isla Fisher.

“I had a fantastic time bringing Pirates to life, and I am eternally grateful to Jerry, Johnny and the rest of the creative and production team,” Verbinski said. “I’m looking forward to all of us crossing paths again in the future.” According to Variety, it is not clear how Verbinski’s decision will affect POTC 4, which is “in development” but has yet to receive a green light from Disney; the sequel lacks a director, an approved script, and (very important in this tough economy) a budget. Sounds like we may be waiting a while before the Black Pearl sets sail again; although we are sorry to see Gore Verbinski leave the franchise, we wish him fair winds and following seas as he sets out on a new adventure.

The Zone thanks Emma for breaking the news; you can read the Variety article HERE. For a lively discussion about POTC 4’s future, see the Zone’s Porch forum. –Part-Time Poet