We were all bummed to learn earlier today that Penelope Cruz wouldn't be starring in Lars von Trier's next film due to scheduling conflicts, but I don't think anybody could have predicted the project Cruz wound up choosing instead. THR is reporting that Cruz is in negotiations to star in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Yes, really. Apparently the character would be "Jack Sparrow's foil and equal in may ways," which means Cruz could either be a pirate or some spunky Spanish, Keira Knightley-style princess who also has a knack for drinking rum. Given that Cruz's Nine director Rob Marshall is handling this one as well, I guess it's not the largest shock possible-- but it's still pretty damn surprising for an actress whose career choices have tended down the smart and small here in the States. Yes, she starred in Sahara, but didn't you think she would have learned from that mistake?

Seeing Cruz and Depp together in pretty much any movie would be a treat-- people who actually saw Blow probably remember this well-- and hopefully the effect won't be ruined when they're wearing tri-cornered hats and fighting ghouls on the high seas. Let's just pretend it's 2003, and another movie with Jack Sparrow sounds like nothing but fun and games. Welcome Penelope!