BURBANK, Calif. (April 15, 2010) - Sam Claflin has been selected by producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Rob Marshall to star in the key role of Philip, a youthful missionary, in Walt Disney Pictures'/Jerry Bruckheimer Films' epic adventure "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," the fourth in the blockbuster series of films. Claflin joins Johnny Depp, returning in his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow, as well as Astrid Berges-Frisbey and an international cast. The film is slated to open on May 20, 2011.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Claflin attended The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He then won roles in the historical mini-series "The Pillars of the Earth," alongside actors Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Matthew MacFadyen and Donald Sutherland, followed by the telefilm "The Lost Future."

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is directed by Rob Marshall, whose first feature film was the Academy Award®-winning "Chicago," followed by "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Nine." Producer Jerry Bruckheimer's films include (producing with Don Simpson) "Top Gun," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Flashdance," and (producing solo) "Con Air," "Armageddon," the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy and the "National Treasure" franchise, as well as this summer's "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" and "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." JBTV's current series are "C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation" and its spin-offs "C.S.I.: Miami," "C.S.I.: NY" and "Cold Case," "The Amazing Race" and "Miami Medical."

The first three films in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series amassed a total international box office of $2.7 billion.

Beginning in June, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" will film entirely on location in Hawaii, Great Britain and Los Angeles.