Keith Richards on Board ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 4’

Good news for “Pirates of the Caribbean” fans: Captain Jack Sparrow’s father, played by rocker Keith Richards, will return to the franchise in the fourth film, “On Stranger Tides,” Richards himself has confirmed.

According to ScreenCrave, Richards mentioned he would reprise his role in “Pirates” at least in two separate interviews, both meant to promote his book.

“He’s back. Jack Sparrow’s dad will return for the fourth installment of the popular Disney franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides,” ScreenCrave announces.

“The character of Captain Teague will return to the dark seas and the big screen according his portrayer Keith Richards. The news regarding the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist appeared in a recent Reuters article, that promotes his new memoir,” the e-zine notes.

Richards first took on the role in 2007’s “At World’s End,” with Johnny Depp saying prior to the announcement that his Cpt. Sparrow character had been heavily influenced by the rocker’s persona.

Since working together, the two bonded and have remained close friends. Hopefully, Richards will get more screen time in the fourth “Pirates,” fans are saying on dedicated forums.

In another interview, this time with a British publication, Richards once more confirmed he’d be reprising the role, saying he found it hard to get used to the makeup and hair all over again.

“It takes two hours to put the wig and make-up on. Back into the hairy prison. ‘Ooooh, sorry about my sword, babe,’ ha ha ha,” the rocker joked.

In other “Pirates of the Caribbean”-related news, the first teaser trailer for “On Stranger Tides” will run in 3D theaters before “Tron: Legacy,” in December, as we also informed you a short while ago.

Fans who can’t hold off until December 17 to see it – or those who don’t plan on seeing “Tron” – will have the chance to see the “Pirates” trailer earlier, as it will be released online a week before it drops in theaters.

Of course, the online version will be in traditional 2D. “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is scheduled for theatrical release on May 20, 2011.