Pirates gets Gold treatment

IT’S the Gold Coast’s turn to host the world’s most famous pirate.

Johnny Depp, aka Captain Jack Sparrow, has started filming at The Spit. Media surrounded the Pirates of the Caribbean set at Marine Stadium early yesterday in boats and helicopters eager for the moment Depp was to arrive.

At 10am, Depp emerged from the manufactured palm trees between two bodyguards and boarded The Dying Gull in full costume.

Depp, who was reading a script, was grabbed by security and ushered behind tents.

A heavy security presence surrounded Doug Jennings Park through the night and into the morning, while two water police circled the set on jet skis, making sure prying eyes didn’t wander too close to the multimillion dollar production.

Fishermen kicked their feet up in their kayaks, admiring the extravagant Pirates set and a media circus trying to get an up- close money shot of the star.

Passengers in passing boats waved and watched as cast, crew and an extras team of more than 100 made movie magic.

A set worker, who had spoken with Depp a number of times, said Depp was one of the most humble blokes he’d met.

“You’d never guess he is who he is, really,” the worker said. “He is the nicest guy. Very down to earth and humble. He speaks to you like a friend.”

Most of the high- profile cast were aboard The Dying Gull yesterday, including Kaya Scodelario, Brenton Thwaites and Kevin McNally.

The star is expected to do a meet and greet tomorrow.