Summer Action Heroes: Johnny Depp

It been four years since Captain Jack Sparrow graced the big screen, at World's End being a rather confusing end to the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.

But the long wait is over as witty Jack is back this summer with Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is having the last laugh when many said that the pirate genre was dead in the water.

But with Depp at the helm Curse of the Black Pearl bucked the trend and Captain Jack Sparrow went on become one of the biggest cinema icons.

The franchise may have a new look cast list as well as a new director but we will all be flocking to cinemas to see one man!

Rob Marshall, the man behind Chicago, is in the director's chair this time around as they try to bring the feel of Curse of the Black Pearl to the latest instalment.

Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penelope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love - or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth.

When she forces him aboard the 'Queen Anne’s Revenge,' the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past.

While Depp is reprising the role of Sparrow, Geoffrey Rush is also returning as Barbosa while Kevin McNally is also back as Gibbs.

With Orlando and Keira gone there are plenty new faces on the cast list as he reunites with Penelope Cruz, their first movie together since Blow and her first major blockbuster.

Ian McShane is on board as the villainous Blackbeard while Stephen Graham, Gemma Ward and Richard Griffiths have all landed roles.

Oh yes.... Keith Richards is also back as Captain Teague.

Now I admit to being a huge JD fan so I'm extra excited about this summer release, fingers crossed it's much better than At World's End.

But the trailer promises some great swash-buckling action, laughs and Jack back to his best.

Depp may have a busy year, already having Rango under his belt and The Rum Diary on the horizon, but On Stranger Tides looks set to be his biggest success of 2011.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is released 18th May.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw