AceShowbiz - Rumors are swirling that Austin Butler, fresh off his memorable roles in "Elvis" and "Dune: Part Two", might be setting sail in Disney's iconic "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. But is there truth to these whispers, or are they just another fleeting rumor? Let's delve into what Butler himself has to say.

Speculation about Butler's involvement began mid-May, fueled by a report from The DisInsider highlighting Disney's long-standing interest in the actor. His recent conversation with Entertainment Tonight provided an interesting twist. When asked about the rumors, Butler responded with surprise, saying, "Oh really, I haven't heard about that. I loved Pirates of the Caribbean."

It seems that these films held a special place in Butler's heart even before he stepped into the limelight. The actor reminisced about a school project, "That just reminded me of when I was a kid. In elementary school, we had to make these posters that had like your favorite music, your favorite actors. And at that time -- I don't know what grade, it must have been fourth grade, third grade or something -- but it was Pirates of the Caribbean was on there."

Butler's nostalgia and affection for the franchise don't necessarily mean he's ready to commit. "It's a hard one to touch because they did it so well," he admitted, referring to Johnny Depp's iconic portrayal of Jack Sparrow. This sentiment reflects the collective uncertainty about how new films could measure up to their predecessors.

The last installment, ""Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" (2017), faced mixed reviews and brought an end to the series starring Depp, Javier Bardem, and Kaya Scodelario. Even with these mixed fortunes, the future of the franchise is yet to be stifled. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed plans for an entirely new reboot. "We're gonna reboot Pirates, so that is easier to put together because you don't have to wait for certain actors," remarked Bruckheimer.

Whether this new venture will include Butler remains to be seen. His current packed schedule, including his role in the upcoming film "The Bikeriders", shows just how high in demand he is. The film, which also stars Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy, explores the intricacies of loyalty and love within a turbulent motorcycle club setting, bringing another unique performance to Butler's growing repertoire.

For now, fans of both Butler and "Pirates of the Caribbean" will need to keep their ears to the ground. As the actor continues to navigate Hollywood with stellar performances, the possibility of him joining the swashbuckling adventures remains an enticing thought, even if unconfirmed.