"Pirates of the Caribbean" co-scribe Terry Rossio has denied the various rumors currently circling about a fourth 'Pirates' film.

On his official blog, he says: "For the record, none of the recent Pirates 4 rumors have any truth, including the so-called record 50 million dollar payday for Depp.

Some pretty funny stuff, though. Sacha Cohen? Tim Burton? Studios are way too protective of their franchises for that sort of thing."

At present, the sole confirmed fact is that Johnny Depp will return as Captain Jack Sparrow in the fourth film.