Verbinski departs 'Pirates' franchise

Gore Verbinski has turned down the chance to direct the fourth Pirates Of The Caribbean movie.

The helmer, who steered the first three entries in the $2 billion franchise, has told Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer that he will instead work an Universal's adaptation of the BioShock video game.

Speaking to Variety about his departure, Verbinski said: "I had a fantastic time bringing Pirates to life, and I am eternally grateful to Jerry, Johnny [Depp] and the rest of the creative and production team. I'm looking forward to all of us crossing paths again in the future."

The new Pirates film, due to open in cinemas next year, will see Depp return to the role of Captain Jack Sparrow.