'Pirates of the Caribbean 5' Cast, Plot, Release Date & Latest News: Delayed Due to Monkey Problems?

Filming for "Pirates of the Caribbean 5" hasn't commenced yet, but rumors about delays are already circulating the Internet. According to Air Herald, the possible delay points to Jack, Captain Hector Barbossa's pet monkey.

Australia, where the film's location will take place, imposes strict regulations on importing animals. The Australian Government clearly states that "If you import an animal or animals into Australia there are legal requirements that must be met. Before you decide toimport an animal, contact the Department of Agriculture,Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to ensure the importationwill meet the conditions regarding species, country oforigin and other quarantine requirements." The "List of Specimens Taken to be Suitable for Live Import" can be found here.

Air Herald notes that the producers of the upcoming fifth installment of "Pirates of the Caribbean" have reportedly contacted Queensland Premier, Campbell Newman, to raise their concerns.

The film, which will be directed by Espen Sandberg and Joachim Ronning, will once again star Johnny Depp in his well-known Jack Sparrow role. Depp will be joined by Brendon Thwaites as a British soldier and Javier Bardem as the villain. Variety reports that Disney is currently eyeing five actresses to be the female lead of the film. Some of the stars being considered for the role are Jenna Thiam, "Miss Potter's" Lucy Boynton, "Endless Love's" Gabriella Wilde, "The Maze Runner's" Kaya Scodelario, and Alexandra Dowling of "The Musketeers."

According to Variety, the actress who will bag the lead role may play as the love interest of Thwaites' character. "The studio wanted to wait to make sure that role was sealed up before testing actresses, and now that Thwaites is on board, the studio will do chemistry tests with Thwaites and the actresses to see who best fits the role," the news outlet notes.

"Pirates of the Caribbean 5" will be the most expensive movie to be filmed in Australia, Air Herald reports. Australia was chosen for the film's location because of the country's water tank (the largest in the world), which will be fitting for the movie's underwater scenes. Mexico came close to be the filming location. Australia, however, was selected because Queensland was able to provide a $21.6 million tax incentive, News.com.au adds.

Production of the film is expected to start in the first quarter of 2015, with plans for release on July 7, 2017. It has been six years since the movie's last installment, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," has been released, SlashFilm notes.