Ian McShane to play Blackbeard in POTC 4

[Capn_Jack_Savvy]

I can't think of a better actor to play the role of such a historical piratical figure! Nice! On Stranger Tides is starting to come together...nicely!!!:thumbsup


Article:
Ian McShane is in negotiations to play the villain in " Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," the fourth installment of the Disney movie series being directed by Rob Marshall.

McShane will play legendary pirate Blackbeard -- whose real name was Edward Teach -- who piloted the ship Queen Anne's Revenge.

McShane will join Johnny Depp, reprising his role of Captain Jack Sparrow, and Penelope Cruz, Sparrow's foil and equal in many ways, in a tale that revolves around the Fountain of Youth.

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

A working British actor since the 1970s, McShane gained notice Stateside for his work in HBO's "Deadwood," where he played the brutal owner of a brothel. McShane starred in the short-lived TV series "Kings" and did voice work in "Coraline" and "Kung Fu Panda."

McShane is repped by ICM and Independent in the U.K.

 

[moffeaton]

That ********** will do ****ing nicely, **********!

 

[Eopie Herder]

I could certainly do without Penolope Cruz, but Ian McShane is a fantastic choice as Blackbeard! I'm really excited that they are putting him in as a character, Blackbeard once stayed in my town! Obviously, as he roamed these waters frequently he is of big interest in this region.

I can't think of a better actor to play the role of such a historical piratical figure! Nice! On Stranger Tides is starting to come together...nicely!!!:thumbsup


Article:
Ian McShane is in negotiations to play the villain in " Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," the fourth installment of the Disney movie series being directed by Rob Marshall.

McShane will play legendary pirate Blackbeard -- whose real name was Edward Teach -- who piloted the ship Queen Anne's Revenge.

McShane will join Johnny Depp, reprising his role of Captain Jack Sparrow, and Penelope Cruz, Sparrow's foil and equal in many ways, in a tale that revolves around the Fountain of Youth.

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

A working British actor since the 1970s, McShane gained notice Stateside for his work in HBO's "Deadwood," where he played the brutal owner of a brothel. McShane starred in the short-lived TV series "Kings" and did voice work in "Coraline" and "Kung Fu Panda."

McShane is repped by ICM and Independent in the U.K.

 

[Kerr Avon]

Lovejoy lives!!!

 

[fuelish]

I could certainly do without Penolope Cruz, but Ian McShane is a fantastic choice as Blackbeard! I'm really excited that they are putting him in as a character, Blackbeard once stayed in my town! Obviously, as he roamed these waters frequently he is of big interest in this region.

I wonder if he will hang out in Bath to get in to character.

 

[Zombie_61]

Hmmm...sounds like Disney is playing "fast and loose" with the chronology.

IIRC, the first three Pirates films took place in the mid to late 1600s. This would make sense since Port Royal was regarded as a "safe haven" for pirates until 1687, at which time anti-piracy laws went into effect and Port Royal then became known as a place of execution for pirates. It is commonly believed Edward Teach (a.k.a. Edward Thatch, a.k.a. Blackbeard) was born some time around the year 1680 (actual birth records are non-existent), so he either would not have been born or he would have been a small child when the events of the first three films took place. If I'm correct, even if POTC: On Stranger Tides takes place 10 years after POTC: At World's End, Blackbeard would still have been a very young man.

Also, as much as I admire Ian McShane as an actor, at 67 he's a little old to be playing a man who died in his late 30s (Blackbeard was killed on November 22, 1718, approximately 38 years old).

Okay, nit-picking over. I'm probably one of the few who would notice this, and one of the fewer who care.

 

[robstyle]

There were maybe a dozen Jack Sparrow swords made as gifts for special cast and crew members during POTC3. They had "Captain Jack Sparrow 1724" engraved on the blade.

 

[PHArchivist]

Hmmm...sounds like Disney is playing "fast and loose" with the chronology.

IIRC, the first three Pirates films took place in the mid to late 1600s. This would make sense since Port Royal was regarded as a "safe haven" for pirates until 1687, at which time anti-piracy laws went into effect and Port Royal then became known as a place of execution for pirates. It is commonly believed Edward Teach (a.k.a. Edward Thatch, a.k.a. Blackbeard) was born some time around the year 1680 (actual birth records are non-existent), so he either would not have been born or he would have been a small child when the events of the first three films took place. If I'm correct, even if POTC: On Stranger Tides takes place 10 years after POTC: At World's End, Blackbeard would still have been a very young man.

Also, as much as I admire Ian McShane as an actor, at 67 he's a little old to be playing a man who died in his late 30s (Blackbeard was killed on November 22, 1718, approximately 38 years old).

Okay, nit-picking over. I'm probably one of the few who would notice this, and one of the fewer who care.

Yes - the writers of the POTC series do play "fast and loose", and can be criticize vehemently for their logic and reason,

But...

Recall that Port Royal in the beginning of the first film was a haven not for pirates, but for the British Navy. To that end, it bore the Govenor's Mansion, and the actual fort. AND good ole' Jack salutes three executed pirates as he sails (sinks?) into port.

Contrasting this, in the film, it was Tortuga that was the pirate haven.

Though back to your point, if I recall correctly, the days in which the island of Tortuga was a pirate-ridden den of inequity were not aligned with the time setting of the first film.

To Rob's point, I've always felt the POTC films were in the mid to late 1700's (though 1724 is plausible).

Finally, I'm not an expert on wooden sailing ships, but the British man-o-war, and other British ships in the film, strike me as being slightly more "modern" than what would be about in the 1600's.

Though the Dutchman was inspried by the Vasa, which I do believe dates back to the 1600's.

 

[PHArchivist]

Regarding Ian...

Fantastic actor. Certainly has the skill to carry the emotional weight and drama necessary for the character (a far cry better than the dude who played Robert Bruce in Brave Heart!).

But I agree - he's a bit too old, and he is NOT six feet, four inches tall. as Blackbeard was reported to be!

 

[PHArchivist]

(Doncha hate it when no one else replies?)

 

[nickytea]

I was one of the many hoping for a Beckett/Jack prequel, but from what I've heard, this is going to be pretty great anyway. :thumbsup

 

[CTF]

Perfect casting.

Sad to say, but I can't be bothered watching Depp camp it up anymore.

Pass.

 

[MooCriket]

I am excited about this. For anyone interested, you can see the Black Pearl arriving here:
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/44064

 

[Carson Dyle]

You know, the fact that Antonio Salieri didn't actually murder Mozart in no way prohibits Amadeus from being a terrific movie.

Point being, we're talking about a movie based on an amusement park ride f'r crissakes. Part IV, no less! I mean, I have nothing against historical accuracy, but let's maintain a little perspective here.



Disney is lucky to have Ian McShane onboard (as it were), and if Blackbeard had ever seen an episode of Deadwood he'd be tickled pink.

 

[Zombie_61]

Recall that Port Royal in the beginning of the first film was a have not for pirates, but for the British Navy. To that end, it bore teh Govenor's Mansion, and the actual fort. AND good ole' Jack salutes three executed pirates as he sails (sinks?) into port.

Contrasting this, in the film, it was Tortuga that was the pirate haven.

Point taken.

You know, the fact that Antonio Salieri didn't actually murder Mozart in no way prohibits Amadeus from being a terrific movie.

Point being, we're talking about a movie based on an amusement park ride f'r crissakes. Part IV, no less! I mean, I have nothing against historical accuracy, but let's maintain a little perspective here.

Yeah, I know the POTC films weren't documentaries, but, really, would a little historical accuracy hurt? Especially since this time they're including an actual historical figure and not just characters based on historical figures? :confused

 

[PHArchivist]

Disney is lucky to have Ian McShane onboard (as it were), and if Blackbeard had ever seen an episode of Deadwood he'd be tickled pink.

I think McShane will be outstanding in the role. Love him in Deadwood. To deliver that type of dialogue, in an accent that is not your natural manner, and to make it sound emotionally real, takes at least a smidgen of talent!

And hell - he can always wear platforms!

 

[Knightjar]

Interesting, if short choice. Should have gone with Brian Blessed.

 

[slave1pilot]

Good lord.
Why are they still making these movies?
1 was good
2 sucked
3 really sucked
4 will really really suck

 

[Carson Dyle]

Interesting, if short choice. Should have gone with Brian Blessed.

Great actor, but way too old (the man was born in 1937).

The height thing is really not an issue. I mean, was DeNiro too short to play Max Cady? Was Anthony Hopkins too short to play Nixon?

With the aid of a good cinematographer, a talented actor can convey the impression of being far more physically imposing on film than he is in real life.

Besides, no one really knows how tall Blackbeard was. Legends abound where larger-than-life figures are concerned, but for all we know the guy was 5'5".

 

[Capn_Jack_Savvy]

Good lord.
Why are they still making these movies?
1 was good
2 sucked
3 really sucked
4 will really really suck

I would post 1000 of these to make a BILLION dollars but I think the point is made!:lol