With "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" just a few weeks away from release, the publication spoke with Depp, who has played the now-iconic Captain Jack Sparrow in the wildly successful films since 2003, about the future of the franchise and his place in it. They report that not only has Terry Rossio already turned in a script for a fifth "Pirates" movie which Disney wants to make in 3D, but producer Jerry Bruckheimer is a go again.

But what about Depp? He told THR the decision for him to take part in the fifth, yet-to-be-titled "Pirates," "Boils down to story, script and filmmaker." In fact, it sounded like there was some reluctance on the actor's part to sign on immediately. "It's not something where I would say, 'Let's shoot it next month to get it out by Christmas 2012," he said, adding, "We should hold off for a bit. They should be special, just like they are special to me."

This raises some big question marks. What would Disney do if Depp said no? Would they dare continue "Pirates" without him in Captain Jack's boots? Would fans jump ship if he did, too? Shiver me timbers, it's too much to think about.

Until the Johnny/"Pirates" mystery is solved, check out the rest of today's big casting news from Hollywood, including Brendan Fraser's slew of new projects and Malin Akerman's attachment to "Rock of Ages."

Brendan's Bevy of Work

Let's have a round of applause for Brendan Fraser, shall we? While the versatile actor has been quiet from the scene over the past few years, he's coming back in a big way. In that, he'll be appearing in no less than four upcoming projects. In addition to the heist comedy "Whole Lotta Sole," which he's currently shooting and "Gimme Shelter," which begins filming this summer, Deadline also reports that Fraser will star in a "sweeping epic historical drama" called "Four Kings" and will provide his voice for a 3D animated movie called "Escape From Planet Earth"!

Akerman to 'Rock' it with Cruise

Also according to Deadline, actress Malin Akerman will be doing what Anne Hathaway and Amy Adams couldn't: playing Constance, the journalist that beds the rocker she's trying to expose, Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise). In addition to Cruise, Akerman joins Adam Shankman's all-star musical cast, which includes Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, and Catherine Zeta-Jones (who plays Cruise's wife.)

K-Stew Finds Her Prince

While the long search for the latter half of "Snow White and the Huntsman" still continues, the prince has rode up to save the day. "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" co-star Sam Claflin has been cast as the prince for the film. He'll star opposite Kristen Stewart (who will play the lady of his affections, Snow White) and Charlize Theron (the Evil Queen who tries to tear them apart), according to Deadline.

Meet the Gotti's

Kelly Preston will play wife to her real-life husband John Travolta for the upcoming "Gotti: Three Generations." Deadline reports that Preston will star as Victoria Gotti to Travolta's John Gotti Sr.

Schwarzenegger Is About To "Cry Macho"

When Arnold Schwarzenegger said he'd make a return to the movies, he wasn't kidding. While he tries to get the next "Terminator" flick off the ground, the former governor's next project, called "Cry Macho," will sell at Cannes, says Deadline. The movie is reportedly about a man (Schwarzenegger) who has everything, but loses it all when his wife and son die. The film then takes him on unexpected plot twists, and eventually, a road trip.

Do you think Johnny Depp will return for a fifth "Pirates of the Caribbean"? And, if he doesn't, would you see it without him? Let us know in the comments section below and on Twitter!