Geoffrey Rush: 'Pirates set very collaborative'

Geoffrey Rush has claimed that the producers, cast and crew of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series have developed a true collaborative spirit.

The Australian star told Parade that his primary motivation for reprising the role of villainous Captain Barbossa for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was to work with his close friends once again.

"Sceptics and cynics think it's just the paycheck. That contributes to a small proportion since it allows me to go back and work in theatre for 900 bucks a week, so that's a nice subsidy," he explained. "The benefits you get from long-term collaboration - the fact that we have the same stunt people, the same costume designers since September 2002 - there is a shorthand and a rich development in that in which you can explore further possibilities.

"You're not constantly reinventing the wheel. The writers have been very open to suggestions. Even with the first film, we would sit around and throw ideas."

Rush recently claimed that there is the potential for several more Pirates of the Caribbean films to be produced.

The fourth instalment in the Pirates of the Caribbean saga has scored the highest US opening of any film this year. The movie has also topped the box office in the UK and Australia.

> Geoffrey Rush takes "break" from Hollywood