An upcoming Disney's film version of
The Lone Ranger definitely has great cast on board. And when we say that, we don't actually mean we're (only) impressed with
Johnny Depp, who is, as you already know, set to star as the ranger's sidekick Tonto.
No, because we just learned that
The Social Network guy
Armie Hammer will star opposite Johnny Depp as well! And that, you must admit, sounds awesome!
So, as you already know,
Gore Verbinski is in charge for directing the project which is scheduled to begin production this fall.
The Lone Ranger started as a radio serial and was later turned into a TV series. The Lone Ranger is a masked lawman who, with his Native American friend Tonto, fights injustice. Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels starred in the “Lone Ranger” television series form 1949 to 1957.
Now we'll have Hammer as the Lone Ranger and Depp as the Lone Ranger sidekick Tonto, but it's Tonto who will be the heart of the story and the voice of reason. Verbinski previously explained:
“The only version of The Lone Ranger I'm interested in doing is Don Quixote told from Sancho Panza's point of view. I was honest early on with Johnny that Tonto is the part. We're not going to do it [straight]; everyone knows that story. I don't want to tell that story.”
On the other hand, Depp said:
“I always felt Native Americans were badly portrayed in Hollywood films over the decades. It's a real opportunity for me to give a salute to them. Tonto was a sidekick in all the Lone Ranger series. This film is a very different approach to that partnership. And a funny one I think.”
The Lone Ranger could be released as early as Fall 2012 as it should be ready to shoot after Depp is done with Tim Burton's Dark Shadows.
Hammer and Depp in The Lone Ranger? What do you think?
