London, Nov 17 (IANS) Actor Johnny Depp has inked a deal of more than $35 million for the fourth instalment of 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' movie.

The actor will become Hollywood's current highest-paid actor when he returns as Captain Jack Sparrow, reported thesun.co.uk. This places him ahead of the likes of Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Mel Gibson, who charge about $30 million per movie.

Makers at Disney have agreed to pay so much to the 46-year-old because regular co-stars Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom are not returning this time.

Geoffrey Rush will again play Captain Barbossa and actress Penelope Cruz is expected to be the female lead.

'The movie will feature flashbacks to Jack's early life,' said a source.