The $379 Million Cast: Where Are The Actors From Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 Now?

Released in 2011, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides—the fourth installment in the blockbuster franchise—marked a significant shift in the series, introducing new characters and a quest for the legendary Fountain of Youth. As of today, December 18, 2025, the film holds a unique place in cinematic history, not just for its swashbuckling adventure but also for its staggering production cost, which cemented its status as one of the most expensive movies ever made.

The success of this $379 million production rested heavily on its star-studded ensemble, which saw the return of beloved veterans alongside formidable newcomers. From Captain Jack Sparrow’s chaotic charm to the terrifying presence of Blackbeard, the cast has moved on to an impressive array of new and upcoming projects in 2024 and 2025, proving their careers are anything but stranded.

The Main Crew: Biographies and Latest Projects (2024–2025)

The core cast of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides brought a mix of Oscar-winning talent and rising stars to the high seas. Here is a look at the key players and what they have been doing recently.

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• Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow: The iconic, eccentric pirate captain. Depp returned to the role that defined a generation.
• Latest Projects (2024–2025): Depp is focusing on directing and producing. He is directing the film Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness (2025), a biopic about artist Amedeo Modigliani. He is also set to star in the film adaptation of The Master and Margarita and the upcoming Paramount Pictures film Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.
• Penélope Cruz as Angelica: Captain Jack’s former flame and the daughter of Blackbeard, a formidable pirate in her own right.
• Latest Projects (2024–2025): The Academy Award-winning Spanish actress continues her prolific career. She was the Winter 2024/2025 cover star for ELLE Canada. Her upcoming film credits include the mystery-thriller La Bola Negra (TBA) and a role in a Frankenstein-inspired project set for 2025.
• Geoffrey Rush as Captain Hector Barbossa: Jack's rival, now working as a privateer for the British Royal Navy.
• Latest Projects (2024–2025): Rush remains highly active. In 2024, he served as a jury member at the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. He is also set to return to the big screen in the New Zealand horror film, The Rule of Jenny Pen (2025).
• Ian McShane as Blackbeard (Edward Teach): The legendary and terrifying main antagonist, seeking the Fountain of Youth.
• Latest Projects (2024–2025): McShane starred in the 2024 thriller film American Star, where he plays an assassin on a final assignment in Fuerteventura. He continues his notable voice work and has been involved in several other projects following his acclaimed role in the John Wick franchise.
• Kevin McNally as Joshamee Gibbs: Captain Jack's loyal first mate and friend. McNally is the only actor besides Depp to appear in all five films.
• Latest Projects (2024–2025): McNally has a steady presence in television and film. His recent and upcoming roles include the television series Beyond Paradise (2025) and the horror-thriller film Apartment 7A (2024).

The Rising Stars: Where Are the Supporting Cast Now?

On Stranger Tides introduced several key characters who provided the film's central romance and critical plot points. These actors have since become major names in their own right, with numerous high-profile projects in development.

Sam Claflin (Philip Swift) and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey (Syrena)

The film’s main subplot revolved around the forbidden romance between the captured missionary Philip Swift, played by Sam Claflin, and the mysterious mermaid Syrena, played by Astrid Bergès-Frisbey. Their characters were central to the quest for the Fountain of Youth, providing a spiritual and emotional core to the adventure.

Sam Claflin: Since his role as Philip, Claflin has starred in major hits like The Hunger Games series and the acclaimed TV show Peaky Blinders. His 2024 and 2025 slate is packed, including the mystery-thriller series Vanished for Prime Video and the upcoming films Bagman (2024) and All the Devils Are Here (2025).

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Astrid Bergès-Frisbey: The French-Spanish actress, known for her ethereal performance as Syrena, has continued her work across European and American cinema. She appeared in the 2024 horror film Cuckoo and previously starred in Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.

Stephen Graham (Scrum)

Stephen Graham played Scrum, a comic relief pirate and a member of Jack Sparrow’s crew who provides a constant source of bumbling loyalty. Graham has since become one of the most respected and in-demand actors in the industry, known for his intense, character-driven roles.

Latest Projects (2024–2026): Graham's recent work includes the 2024 film Young Woman and the Sea. His upcoming schedule is highly anticipated, featuring the biopic Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (2025) and the feature film extension of his popular series, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (2026). He also launched a powerful new project related to fatherhood and letters to sons.

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Behind the Scenes: The Unique Secrets of On Stranger Tides

Beyond the stellar cast, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides holds several distinctions that make its production story unique among Hollywood blockbusters.

The Most Expensive Movie Ever Made

At the time of its release, and still considered by many analyses, On Stranger Tides holds the record for the most expensive film ever made, with an official budget reportedly reaching over $379 million. This massive cost was driven by a combination of factors, including the use of cutting-edge 3D technology, extensive location shooting, and the high salaries of its lead star, Johnny Depp, and the director, Rob Marshall.

The First All-3D Pirates Adventure

The fourth film was the first in the *Pirates* franchise to be shot entirely in Disney Digital 3D, and one of the first major live-action, epic outdoor adventures filmed using the new Red 3D cameras. This commitment to native 3D filming, rather than post-conversion, added significantly to the production's complexity and budget but delivered a more immersive visual experience for audiences seeking the Fountain of Youth.

Penélope Cruz’s Secret Body Double

A fascinating piece of trivia involves Penélope Cruz’s character, Angelica. The actress discovered she was pregnant shortly before or during the filming of On Stranger Tides. This required the production team to make significant adjustments, including rearranging the shooting schedule to prioritize scenes featuring Angelica early on.

For scenes involving complex stunts or wide shots where her pregnancy was more visible, the production employed a body double: Mónica Cruz, Penélope’s own sister. Mónica, also an actress, stepped in to film the more physically demanding sequences, ensuring the continuity of Angelica's swashbuckling character while keeping the star safe.

Topical Authority: The Legacy of Pirates 4

While the film is often debated among fans of the franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides successfully navigated a transition period for the series, replacing key characters (like Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann) with new, compelling dynamics (Angelica and Blackbeard). The film's success at the global box office—grossing over $1 billion worldwide—proved the enduring popularity of Captain Jack Sparrow and the world of high-seas adventure.

The enduring careers of its actors, who continue to dominate major film and television projects in 2024 and 2025, solidify the film's status as a major career milestone. From Johnny Depp’s return to directing to Sam Claflin and Stephen Graham's rise as celebrated character actors, the cast of the fourth *Pirates* film remains one of the most talented ensembles ever assembled for a Disney blockbuster.