Lots of casting news about the POTC sequels this week! The Hollywood Reporter notes that stunning British actress Naomie Harris, who appeared in 28 DAYS LATER and AFTER THE SUNSET, has been cast as a gypsy queen in both POTC sequels. Also signed for both sequels is Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard, who appeared in Jerry Bruckheimer’s KING ARTHUR last summer. Skarsgard will play Bootstrap Bill Turner, the father of Orlando Bloom’s character–but there is no word on how old Bill will be revived from his watery grave. He will, however, figure in both sequels. The Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reports that Skarsgard starts working on the films in February and won’t be finished until December. “We are going to shoot around the Los Angeles area as well as in the Bahamas and the West Indies,” says Skarsgard. “I’m playing the old pirate ‘Bootstraps’ Turner… it should be fun, I enjoyed the first one.”

Another addition to the cast is 55-year-old British television star Alex Norton, who will play Edinburgh sea captain Sam Bellamy. The role is described as “a high-profile part,” and Norton told the UK press that it was the biggest role of his career: “It’s safe to say this is about as big as it gets. I’ve only just heard that I got the part of Captain Bellamy. I’m really excited.” Norton added that his three sons, Jock, Rory, and Jamie, are huge fans of the original Pirates blockbuster and are thrilled that their pop will be working with Captain Jack Sparrow. “I start filming in Los Angeles next month,” Norton said. “We then head out to the Caribbean island of St. Vincent in June and July. “

Actor Kevin McNally will be returning to the POTC franchise in the role of Joshamee Gibbs. But although producer Jerry Bruckheimer recently said he was also negotiating with Geoffrey Rush to return as Barbossa in a third PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN movie, apparently that deal has not yet been struck. This morning’s Hollywood Reporter mentions that the POTC sequels “reunite the main players in the 2003 blockbuster: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley star, Gore Verbinski directs, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio write and Jerry Bruckheimer produces.” But there is no mention of Geoffrey Rush–yet.

The Zone thanks emma and DeepinDepp for their many POTC updates this week. We appreciate all you do to keep the Zone up-to-date with the latest news!