Pirates of the Caribbean 5: Javier Bardem in talks to play villain

The Spanish actor would depict a ghost bent on revenge against Jack Sparrow

Javier Bardem's wife Penelope Cruz appeared in the fourth film (Getty)

Javier Bardem is set to star in Pirates of the Caribbean 5.

The Spanish actor, known for his roles in Vicky Cristina Barcelona and No Country for Old Men, is in early talks to play villainous ghost Captain Brand, who does battle with Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow, according to The Wrap.

Bardem would appear alongside Geoffrey Rush, who plays Captain Barbossa, as well as Ian MacShane and Stephen Graham. Orlando Bloom and Keith Richards are rumoured for cameos.

Disney’s latest instalment is being directed by Norwegians Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg, known for their Academy Award-winning documentary Kon Tiki. Jerry Bruckheimer is returning as producer and filming is due to start in Australia in February.

Bardem, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in No Country for Old Men, is married to actress Penelope Cruz. His wife appeared in the fourth film as Jack Sparrow’s love interest Angelica.

He previously played the bad guy in James Bond film Skyfall, where his performance as Raoul Silva earned him a Bafta nomination.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is scheduled for release on 7 July, 2017.