The studio will end its first-look deal with Bruckheimer in 2014, bringing to a close a partnership that has produced both the Pirates and National Treasure franchises, as well as hits such as Armageddon and The Rock.

Disney faces losses of $190m (£118m) following the recent box office failure of Bruckheimer’s The Lone Ranger. But the producer insisted: “It’s not about Lone Ranger. It’s time for us to tackle all kinds of movies, not just Disney movies” [. . .]  “We’re still working on Pirates and hopefully National Treasure, and we still have development at Disney.”

The Pirates franchise has earned more than $5.4bn (£3.4bn) worldwide for Disney. “Jerry is one of the most respected and prolific producers working in the motion picture industry, and we have had an incredibly successful collaboration over the past two decades. He is a friend to many of us here at Disney,” said Alan Horn, chairman of Disney Studios.

“We will continue to work together in the future, and we look forward to seeing more of the films that have made Jerry Bruckheimer a Hollywood legend,” he added, confirming the fifth installment of Pirates of the Caribbean will still go ahead. The sequel has reportedly been delayed due to script issues and concerns over budget. It is not expected to open before autumn 2015.

[. . .] “I am very appreciative of the wonderful collaboration and support I have had at The Walt Disney Company for over 20 years and the 27 movies we have made together,” Bruckheimer said. “As we continue to make adventure films, we look forward to returning to films like Black Hawk Down, Enemy of the State, Beverly Hills Cop and The Rock.”

For full article, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24172013

Also see http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pirates-caribbean-5-delayed-beyond-625570