Even though just a few weeks ago, it’s director Rob Marshall didn’t seem entirely sure it was happening, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, to be titled Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides now has a release date. Disney announced this evening that they plan to have it in theaters on May 20, 2011.

Right now Pirates 4 has that particular date all to itself. Of course it’s a year and a half away, but now that they’ve staked their claim, it’s unlikely anyone else will try and horn in on their action. The movie’s nearest box office competition, as currently scheduled, will be Thor released on May 6th and The Hangover 2 being released on May 25th. It’ll be interesting to see what happens as the date draws closer and the calendar fills up around it, but Pirates of the Caribbean is sure to choke out the competition anywhere Disney decides to plant it.