'Pirates of the Caribbean 5' hires writer of 'Catch Me If You Can'

Disney has hired the screenwriter of Catch Me If You Can to write Pirates of the Caribbean 5.

The follow-up to 2011's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will be the latest entry in a series that has grossed more than $3.5bn (2.2bn) worldwide.

Variety reports that Jeff Nathanson is now on board to write the script, with his other previous credits including Rush Hour 2, The Terminal and Tower Heist.

Nathanson is also currently writing the script to DreamWorks's adaptation of adventure series The 39 Clues.

Plot details have not yet been revealed for the new film, and it is unknown whether cast members such as Geoffrey Rush, Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom and Penelope Cruz will be returning.

However, Johnny Depp has reportedly signed a $60m (37m) contract to return as the incredibly popular pirate Jack Sparrow.

Depp had previously said he w! ould not return to the series, but denied that being part of the franchise was "selling out".

Watch the trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides below:

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