'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' becomes third movie of the year to cross $1 billion

When "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" crossed the $1 billion mark this past weekend, it was only a matter of time that "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" followed suit.

It has gross $1.004 billion so far.

Yesterday, the Michael Bay-directed film did just that, becoming the 10th film to accomplish the feat and third this summer. It took "Dark of the Moon" about twice the amount of time to do so compared to "Death Hallows," 37 days versus 19. "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," did it in 46 days.

As of yesterday, "Dark of the Moon" has grossed $340 million domestically and $664 million overseas, according to Box Office Mojo.

“'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' is the first billion dollar grossing movie in the history of Paramount Pictures, marking a substantial milestone in the 99 year life of this legendary studio," said Brad Grey, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures in a press release today.

“We are grateful for the extraordinary work of  Michael Bay and his film-making team, executive producer Steven Spielberg and everyone at Paramount around the globe who played a part in helping make this latest 'Tranformers' one of the 10 highest grossing films worldwide of all time."

"Deathly Hallows" trails "Dark of the Moon" for domestic total, but it is showing more legs for now and may catch up before the battle is over. Additionally, with "Potter" opening in China this weekend, it should stretch its international lead, which sits at $34 million.

"Deathly Hallows" now holds number six on the all-time worldwide gross list with "On Stranger Tides" in seventh and "Dark of the Moon" in ninth.

Johnny Depp close to signing for fifth 'Pirates' film

Captain Jack Sparrow may sail again.

The Wrap is reporting "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Johnny Depp is close to a deal to star in a fifth film in the franchise which to date has brought home just shy of $3.7 billion in booty from the worldwide box office and includes two of the eight films to cross the $1 billion mark.

"Pirates" has earned $3.7 billion to date.

According to the report, producer Jerry Bruckheimer is hard at work on a script for the fifth film, a rough draft of which has been completed, and any deal will be contingent on receiving Depp's approval.

The fourth installment, "On Stranger Tides," is still pillaging the box office and is the top grossing film of 2011 so far.

Last month it was reported that "On Stranger Tides" director Rob Marshall had been offered the chance to helm the fifth installment but had not yet signed, leading Disney to begin shopping for a new director. Gore Verbinski directed the first three "Pirates of the Carribbean" films.

According to the report, citing "reliable sources," Disney's "dream" choice would be Tim Burton ("Alice in Wonderland"), but they are also looking at Shawn Levy ("Night at the Museum"), Sam Raimi ("Spider-Man"), Chris Weitz ("The Golden Compass"), and Alfonso Cuaron ("Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban").

Disney shopping for a new 'Pirates' director?

Disney is reportedly shopping around for a new director for a fifth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film.

"On Stranger Tides" opened May 20.

Cinema Blend is reporting "On Stranger Tides" director Rob Marshall has been offered the chance to helm the fifth installment but has not yet signed. Gore Verbinski directed the first three "Pirates of the Carribbean" films.

According to the report, citing "reliable sources," Disney's "dream" choice would be Tim Burton ("Alice in Wonderland"), but they are also looking at Shawn Levy ("Night at the Museum"), Sam Raimi ("Spider-Man"), Chris Weitz ("The Golden Compass"), and Alfonso Cuaron ("Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban").

Actor Johnny Depp has said in interviews he is willing to consider another tour as Captain Jack Sparrow, but would like to see some time between movies. He also said the script would have to meet his approval.

Geoffrey Rush, who plays Captain Barbossa, recently said he feels there are plenty of stories left in the franchise.

Although the latest film is trailing its predecessor at the U.S. box office, it continues to break records overseas and to date has amassed $641 million worldwide. Suffice to say, Disney wants more.

I preferred Verbinski's films to Marshall's turn in the franchise, and if Weitz or Cuaron are actually interested, either would be a coup for Disney. As for Burton, he tends to put such a distinctive mark on his films, I don't think it would feel cohesive with the rest of the franchise.