Chow Yun-Fat cast in Pirates of the Caribbean sequels

Coming Soon have some cool news, and from a great source:

Hong Kong’s Chow Yun-fat is set to star in the upcoming sequels of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, says Chinese-language newspaper Apple Daily. Chow’s wife, Jasmin Chan Wui-nin, said the actor will play the famous 15th century Chinese pirate Cheung Po Tsai for the second and third installments of the film.

Cool news, and very interesting casting. This has to be the best cast series of films ever, the first brought some diversity of acting talents to the table. Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush with Mackenzie Crook. Now we’re looking at seeing those three back with the wonderful addition of Chow Yun-Fat and Keith Richards! You have to give them credit for being brave, and spot on, with their casting.

Looks like there’s a bit of confusion about the number of sequels for the sequel or sequels though. I had thought that there was no confusion at all (see posts on Richards in POTC:2 and POTC:3 as well as news of Rush’s busy schedule as some examples) it was everywhere that there were two sequels. However in the article above, Coming Soon cast some uncertainty:

While the report above says two follow-up films are in development, Disney has not confirmed that yet. There might only be one sequel in the works right now. A casting call posted here [check the original article] does give more proof that there might be two films, given the shoot is listed as taking place from February all the way through December of 2005.

I’m positive there are going to be two, and all the news and quotes point to it. I think it’s Disney trying some slow release information, perhaps related to share prices or something similar. I don’t see a reason why they would not announce the two sequels unless they are scared there’s no appetite for number 2, and they scrap number 3 semi-quietly. However, with Disney and their straight to video market, nothing is too bad for them not to release!

I just think they haven’t announced yet for their own reasons. Coming Soon even carry a quote regarding Crook’s involvement again:

Crook will decamp to St Vincent to film not one, but two sequels.

All is safe and we should see this fantastic cast back for the two sequels, and let’s hope they are as entertaining as the first. At least they’ll be something to replace the Musketeer movies on every Xmas.