(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Johnny Depp is thrilled Penlope Cruz is in the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie because she is one of his best friends, and a heavy hitter.

Johnny is famed for his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the swashbuckling series of films, with Penlope playing a character called Angelica in the upcoming instalment.

The actor was thrilled when he heard the Spanish star had signed on to Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides as he knew she would bring something new to set. The pair have been close friends for years, and her acting talent never fails to amaze him.

Oh yeah, shes a serious force to be reckoned with, Penelope. We did a film together years ago called Blow - I couldve said, We did blow together years ago. That really wouldve made it, he laughed.

Yeah so we did this film Blow together, which was wonderful, I mean shes really a treat, shes a heavy hitter. You can throw all kinds of stuff out there into the atmosphere and shell snatch up something and throw a curve ball back at you. Its very stimulating, shes someone I adore, one of my best friends, so yeah its been great having her.

Johnny loves playing feisty pirate Jack, and has previously said he based the character in part on Rolling Stones rocker Keith Richards. One of the reasons he enjoys shooting the Pirates movies so much is that they are pure fun, and he doesnt need to get involved with the deep feelings of his character.

I mean I honestly think this whole thing about characters and character arcs and finding themselves and this and that, I honestly think old Captain Jack found himself a long time ago. I dont think theres any more room to - he cant go any further, I think hes hit a wall as it were, he told Collider.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is due out later this year. (C) Cover Media