See full version: Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 Really Is Based On A Book
When Disney announced the title of the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie would be Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, many instantly speculated that it might be based on a same named pirate book written by author Tim Powers in the 80s. Today speaking with the LA Times Powers confirmed that, yep, it is.
Disney optioned the book three years ago this April, which would mean they already knew what the movie would be about just a few months before our scooper spilled the beans to us. The book is everything we’ve suspected the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie would be about all along. It involves the pirate Blackbeard on a quest for the Fountain of Youth.
Discussing how his book compares to the existing Pirates films Powers says, “My main character doesn't overlap with Jack Sparrow at all [in personality or circumstance]; they're totally different characters. I suppose they might overlap the Geoffrey Rush character Barbossa and Blackbeard. The only thing I feel certain they will hold on to is the Fountain of Youth since they telegraphed that at the end of the last movie.” So if you’ve already read On Stranger Tides, it sounds like you shouldn’t count on the fourth Caribbean movie being exactly the same. More likely Disney is picking and choosing parts to use.
The narrative was well-paced, and passing references to previous Disney pirates adventures were very helpful as reminders I enjoyed reading this book, whose prequel (BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE NORTH) I reviewed a few weeks ago. There is quite a bit of overlap between the two books, starting from the point where Carina Smyth meets up with Captain Jack Sparrow on the island of St. Martin. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this film, as I'm a longtime fan of the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN franchise. more
Captain Jack Sparrow has lost almost everything. When he schemes to steal an entire bank vault, he stumbles into Carina Smyth, a young woman who happens to looking for the same thing Jack is – the Trident of Poseidon. Along with Henry, the son of Will Turner, they will brave the wrath of the ghost Captain Salazar and all of the other dangers of the Caribbean.
So, if you haven't seen the films, this is a sequel both on screen and in print. While you could read this without reading the first and have some fun, it certain Let's just say that the movie is better than the book and that I wasn't extremely impressed with any of these movies, although my kids liked them. Add to the fact that I have heard the piano reduction of the score a gazillion times from when my son was taking piano lessons and you can say I've had my fill. The movies are 3 stars for me.
The narrative was well-paced, and passing references to previous Disney pirates adventures were very helpful as reminders of how the action for this story fits into the bigger pictures of the overall story arc. However, I would like to note the same concerns that I had about historical and astronomical inaccuracies in BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE NORTH. (See my review of that book for details.) Yes, this is a work of fantasy adventure, and no, the historical and astronomical inaccuracies don't detract from an otherwise engaging book -- but it would be nice if the editors at Disney Press would insist on a bit more realism to anchor their fantasy novels. :) more
As I said, I don't think it comes to a surprise to anyone that the similarities - notably the use of the name - between Pirates of the Caribbean 4 and the Powers book aren't a coincidence. It's always nice to get confirmation on this sort of thing, though it's interesting that Disney has turned to a pre-established source to find a story for their fourth installment in a franchise that will make money no matter WHAT the story. [links]
"I've watched all the movies several times, of course, and I think the clear thing they would use is the trip to the Fountain of Youth. My main character doesn't overlap with Jack Sparrow at all [in personality or circumstance]; they're totally different characters. I suppose they might overlap the Geoffrey Rush character Barbossa and Blackbeard. The only thing I feel certain they will hold on to is the Fountain of Youth since they telegraphed that at the end of the last movie.""I don't know if it's proper to say [the movie is] based on [my book] but there are enough common elements to think that the book had to be optioned to us to reasonably proceed along that story line."[links]
But Powers has finally revealed to the LATimes that he has been in cahoots with Disney for quite a while now, and notes how he wasn't able to talk about it until now. Here's what he had to say: more
For the rest of what Powers had to say - including on the whole "Depp's loss of enthusiasm after Dick Cook's departure as Chairman of Disney" thing - you can head over to LATimes' Hero Complex.
If you've been keeping up with the news about the upcoming fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, you'll probably be aware of the fact that it's been given the subtitle of "On Stranger Tides." As we reported a little under a month ago, the title is exactly the same as a pirate book by Tim Powers from 22 years ago, which is about the Fountain of Youth (Pirates 4's reported plot hook) and which also contains a pirate character called Jack.
After Depp appeared in character as Captain Jack Sparrow at the Disney's D23 Expo, and the On Stranger Tides subtitle was revealed (along with a title card featuring it), Powers' e-mail inbox suddenly got flooded by messages from surprised friends and fans, along with legal advice in case he needed to know how to sue.
Audiobook three: The Pirate Chase [links]
Captain Jack Sparrow's ship, the Barnacle, and its up-till-now unshakable crew have suddenly fallen under a sinister spell. While continuing their quest for the storied Sword of Cortes, the crew suddenly finds itself entranced by an ethereal song. As a result, each of them attempt to take the Barnacle in a different direction - and away from the sword's supposed location. Only Jack seems unaffected by the strange song, but can he both subdue his crew and defeat the mysterious force behind the dark spell? [links]
Adventure-seeking teenager Jack Sparrow has assembled a motley crew, and they're on the quest of a lifetime. Their goal: to locate and procure the legendary Sword of Cortes, which will grant them unimaginable power. But will this ragtag team of adventurers survive their first mission, or will they succumb to the power of the sea, vicious pirates, ancient curses, and stormy threats from the forces of nature? more
Audiobook two: The Siren Song
Jack and company are hot on the trail of the notorious pirate Left-Foot Louis, who they believe is currently in possession of the Sword of Cortes. But chasing down a fierce seafarer is challenging, even for Jack's formidable crew. And to top it all off, newly appointed first-mate Arabella has a personal score to settle with Louis, but doing so could jeopardize the entire mission!