Rob Marshall ("Chicago") is the frontrunner to direct "Pirates of the Caribbean 4," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Gore Verbinski directed the "Pirates" trilogy but is stepping away for other projects. Walt Disney Pictures and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, however, are eager to move forward with the next installment with hopes that production can begin next year.

So far, Johnny Depp is the only person attached to star in the film. It is unlikely that Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley will return, as the studio is looking for a more scaled down "Pirates" story this time around.