Avast! Watch for 'Pirates' stars

Antelope Valley Press on ^ | Tuesday, September 26, 2006 | LAVENDER VROMAN

[BenLurkin]

PALMDALE - "Pirates" fans might want to keep a weather eye open for Johnny Depp and other stars of their favorite swashbuckling adventure flick.

Filming of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," the third installment of Disney's hit franchise, has relocated to Site 9 in Palmdale from Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, unit publicist Michael Singer confirmed Monday.

Contrary to media reports that circulated over the weekend, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards did not make a slightly tipsy cameo appearance as Capt. Jack Sparrow's father at the former aircraft production hangar at 30th Street East and Avenue P. Filming of Richards' scenes with Depp took place elsewhere, Singer said.

The publicist would not confirm if Depp and co-stars Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley were on location in Palmdale. According to earlier reports, the three were slated to be at Site 9 in September to film the remainder of "At World's End."

Singer refused to provide any other details about the shoot, including how long the production is scheduled to remain at Site 9. Disney has rented Hangar 703 from Los Angeles World Airports through at least November.

Internet postings on a Johnny Depp fan site last week suggested the production crew for "At World's End" might be experiencing technical difficulties with one of the massive pirate ship replicas housed in Hangar 703.

Small yellow signs reading "P2/3" could be seen Monday afternoon at the intersection of Avenue P and 30th Street East. The parking lot at Site 9 was moderately full of cars, trailers and equipment trucks, but a patrolling security vehicle provided the only stirring of life outside the facility's gates.

[BallyBill]

Please don't tell my wife about this. Although, I like many of the characters Depp chooses to do myself.