Russell Brand to star in Pirates of the Caribbean 4

Russell Brand is set to star in 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4'.

The 33-year-old comedian – who recently resigned from his British radio show following controversy over lewd phone calls he made during a programme – will reportedly earn £5 million for portraying Jonathan, the brother of Johnny Depp's character Captain Jack Sparrow, in the latest instalment of the Disney franchise.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "There couldn't be a role more perfectly suited. There's a lot of Jack Sparrow in his mannerisms and behaviour. Johnny's accent isn't a million miles away from Russell's either.

"Russell joining the Sparrows alongside Johnny and Keith Richards as their dad will complete the ultimate on-screen pirate family."

It was recently revealed Johnny will earn £32 million for reprising his role as the eccentric swashbuckler for a fourth time, making him Hollywood's highest earning film star.

Johnny's co-stars in the first three films in the franchise, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, are unlikely to appear in the latest instalment.