Pirate Villain Ian McShane

Ian McShane is in talks to star in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'.

The 67-year-old 'Deadwood' actor is reportedly being lined up to star as pirate menace Blackbeard opposite Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow in the fourth instalment of the hit Disney franchise.

A source on the film said: "Ian's really looking forward to the role. It'll give him plenty of opportunity to go over the top. It's going to be lots of fun.

Blackbeard will be Captain Jack's nemesis in the film, the plotline of which sees the pair battle it out to find the fountain of youth.

Johnny is the only main cast member who has stayed on to do a fourth film - both Keira Knightley, who played uptight Elizabeth Swann, and Orlando Bloom, who played good guy Will Turner have ruled themselves out of appearing in the next movie.

However, Penelope Cruz is rumoured to be appearing the fourth film, playing a "real tough cookie" who will be "Sparrow's equal in many ways".

'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' will be filmed this summer and has a preliminary release date of May 2011.