Penelope Cruz Joins "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"

By our guest blogger, Matt Jussim

Penelope Cruz is in negotiations to re-team with her "Blow" co-star Johnny Depp on "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" for Disney Pictures.

Adds Heat Vision:  As previously reported, Depp will reprise his role of Captain Jack Sparrow, who sets off in search of the Fountain of Youth. Plot details are slim, but Cruz's character is said to be "Sparrow's foil and equal in many ways."

For Cruz, the role reunites her with Marshall, who directed her in "Nine." Her performance garnered her an Oscar nomination in the best supporting actress category just last week. She won the Oscar for best actress in a supporting role for 2008's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

Snagging an actress of Cruz's caliber is great for the franchise. Keira Kightley was perfect in the first three films, but she was hitched up with Orlando Bloom the whole time. It’s Capt. Jack’s turn to finally have a love interest. I’m excited to see how Depp and Cruz play off each other; the two should have chemistry.

Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot wrote the script. Jerry Bruckheimer is producing.

"Pirates" will set sail before cameras in Hawaii this summer. Disney plans for a May 20, 2011, release.