Disney eyeing Austin Butler for role in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’

Austin Butler appears to be aiming at another popular franchise following the success of Elvis and Dune.

The actor, 32, is in a great position to join the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which previously starred Johnny Depp, according to an industry insider cited by Life & Style magazine.

“The appeal of somebody like Austin is that he can completely transform into a character,” the source said of Butler, noting that Disney is interested to have the actor onboard.

“The potential is there to create something as unforgettable as Johnny Depp’s work on the first film 21 years ago.”

Previously, when the Bikeriders star was asked about the ongoing rumours to star in the hit movie franchise, Butler played coy.

“Oh really, I haven’t heard about that,” he said, adding, “I loved Pirates of the Caribbean.”

While there are no confirmations on either side, the source revealed that Butler will not make a final decision until he has seen the script.

“They’ll pay him handsomely to appear in it,” the insider shared. “He’s in an excellent position as long as the script is up to snuff.”