Depp Signs On for POTC 4

Actor Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at Wednesday's "Walt Disney Showcase" in Hollywood to announce his commitment to several Disney projects, including a resurrection of his role as "Captain Jack Sparrow" in the fourth installment of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean, according to MTV.com.

The "Walt Disney Showcase" features a preview of Disney's upcoming cinematic endeavors, including a 3D Alice in Wonderland that will feature Depp as the Mad Hatter. Depp will also appear in Jerry Bruckheimer's Lone Ranger as "Tonto."

The franchise has already reeled in $2.6 million at the box office alone. The next story line is widely believed to be a solo adventure for Captain Jack, as Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley have already said they are not likely to return for another installment of the series.

The third film, At World's End, ended with Captain Jack sailing off for the fountain of youth, a likely setup for the sequel's solo story line.

Depp's role in Alice in Wonderland as the Mad Hatter will hit screens first, though, in 2010. He will star alongside Mia Wasikowska, who is cast as Alice. The film also marks the reunion of Depp and director Tim Burton for their seventh film together. The duo collaborated on films including Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd.