ScreenCrave.com » the lone ranger

Is Johnny Depp’s Lone Ranger Back From the Dead?

Damon Houx — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:27:05 +0000

Last we reported, Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp‘s take on The Lone Ranger was put out to pasture because of concerns of a huge budget. Now Deadline Hollywood is reporting that the film has finally got a contained budget and is going to try to start shooting in 2012, with an official announcement due next week.

The bottom line on this story is that big budget blockbusters have hit critical mass. A film like Pirates of the Caribbean 4 was stripped down and smaller than its previous entry, and still cost over $200 Million dollars. But most summer event films this year cost at least if not more than $200 Million – even if their listed production budget was much less. That means that a film needs to do about a half a billion worldwide to be profitable.

On top of that, there aren’t that many available brand names to pillage any more, so where investing $300 Million in a film like Transformers 3 seems reasonable, it’s much less so for a franchise that doesn’t have the same sort of innate appeal to audiences. Harry Potter is done.The more obvious step would be to invest in new original material to grow new franchises, but that’s not the current thinking – especially after something like Cowboys and Aliens.

But summer and winter need their event films, and Johnny Depp is still great internationally. And so it seems we’re getting a better budgeted blockbuster. With a date change, it’s hard to say if Armie Hammer will still be available, we’ll know more next week.

Are you excited for Johnny Depp as Tonto?

Werewolves Kill The Lone Ranger

Damon Houx — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:02:31 +0000

Gore Verbinski. Johnny Depp. Armie Hammer. The writers of the original Pirates of the Caribbean. Jerry Bruckheimer. Depp as Tonto. How could The Lone Ranger go astray? And yet the Walt Disney company has decided to pass on this title, citing a budget that was guestimated at $230 Million. Those numbers sound astronomical, but in context, Warner Brothers spent a supposed $200 on The Green Lantern. What could make a western so expensive? Werewolves, according to Jeff Wells. The film was going to be a special effects bonanza.

There’s a number of reasons why this might not have floated, besides the expense and the werewolves. First and foremost is that Westerns have never been a huge draw in foreign markets. If you look at the numbers for True Grit, its international numbers were less than half of the domestic take, and while Cowboys and Aliens has sci-fi elements, its domestic cume should fall short of $100 Million, and may not fare as well internationally.

On top of that, Verbinski and Depp should have a “get out of jail free” card after making the Pirates trilogy. Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott cashed theirs with Robin Hood. But what may have also felled this project was Rango, which had the same director and star as the Pirates trilogy, but failed to generate too much heat. Arguments could be made that it was “animated” and “weird,” but it had the same release date as Alice in Wonderland - the first week of March – which has become a hot spot for Spring titles. It was also a Western, and while The Tourist made $200 internationally, Rango couldn’t reach those heights, it did $120 Million internationally. There are also the studio politics involved, which are hard to fathom. Regardless, the project is dead at Disney, and the price tag should keep it from moving to another studio.

Would you want to see Depp battle werewolves?

Ryan Gosling Up For Lone Ranger?

Damon Houx — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 01:08:34 +0000

The Wrap is reporting that Ryan Gosling is in the room for the Gore Verbinski/Johnny Depp version of The Lone Ranger. Depp would play Tonto to Gosling’s white knight of a cowboy. At the same time they are noting that Gosling’s schedule as of now is in conflict with doing the picture. Which makes the likelihood of him doing it all the more questionable.

Gosling is currently attached to Logan’s Run, with his Drive Director Nicolas Winding Refn. Since the two just did a picture together, it seems unlikely, though – if nothing else – fairly mercinary for Gosling to abandon the project, which would probably collapse without him. The Lone Ranger is a bigger production, and with Depp and Verbinski an A title where he would get to basically play a goof (it seems) as the focus is more likely to be on Tonto because it’s Depp. Ten years ago it would be a Brendan Fraser role.

Ryan Gosling is similar to James Franco in that they’re both getting thrust into a lot of huge budgeted productions but without having warmed themselves to audiences. Hopefully for studios the films themselves should sell audiences, but neither come across as people necessarily go to movies to see. But that may just be the dwindling class of A-list actors in the new generation.

The Lone Ranger is currently a 2014 tentpole release.that gosling has serious scheduling conflicts makes this seem like a bullshit piece, but you never know.

Do you want to see Gosling say “Hi-yo Silver away”?

Johnny Depp Talks The Lone Ranger

Krystal Clark — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:27:20 +0000

Over the year, we can expect to see Johnny Depp in two highly anticipated films, Rango and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, but there’s more where that came from. Depp will also appear in Disney’s big screen adaptation of The Lone Ranger, which they’re simply calling Lone Ranger, as Tonto. The actor recently spoke to Entertainment Weekly about his character and the changes they’ve made to flesh him out.

Regarding the script, Depp says, “What we’ve got so far screenplay-wise is really great, really funny.” He has faith in the production and believes that they can achieve something amazing once they get the film on its feet. One of the biggest concerns the actor had about Tonto, was how he would be written. He doesn’t want to reinforce the stereotypes that have been portrayed throughout the years when it comes to Native Americans.

“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.”

They still haven’t announced who will play The Lone Ranger, but whoever they choose will have to have a great on screen presence. It will be hard to play the lead, when you’ve got someone like Johnny Depp sharing a scene with you. Who could pull it off?

Who do you think should play The Lone Ranger?

Johnny Depp Thinks George Clooney or Brad Pitt Could Play The Lone Ranger

Krystal Clark — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:11:50 +0000

Ever since it was announced that Johnny Depp was going to play Tonto in Disney’s big screen adaptation of The Lone Ranger, we’ve said that they’ll need an actor like George Clooney or Brad Pitt to play the title character. Do you know why? Because it’s very hard to stick out on screen when you’re standing next to Depp and there are only a few men who have enough charisma and presence to hold their own regardless of the co-star. Obviously Depp is aware of this because he also has his eye on Clooney and Pitt for the role.

Regarding the casting of The Lone Ranger Depp said, “There’s so many interesting possibilities out there. Brad [Pitt] would be great. [George] Clooney would be great. Don’t know who it’s going to be just yet.” He also went on to say that this film will definitely show Native Americans in a better light. When speaking to Entertainment Tonight he stated, “Native Americans in cinema, over the past however many decades, have been treated somewhat shabbily. This one has plans to rectify that.”

On an interesting side note, does anyone else realize that all three of the actors mentioned here were voted People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive TWICE!

What do you think of Depp’s casting suggestions?

Additional Source: Collider

Confirmed: Gore Verbinski Directing Johnny Depp in The Lone Ranger

Krystal Clark — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:16:56 +0000

Back in September there was speculation that Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinki would reunite with Johnny Depp for the big screen adaptation of The Lone Ranger. And after months of deliberation we’ve finally got an answer: Yes! According to Deadline, Verbinski has officially signed on the dotted line to make Ranger his next big project.

The Lone Ranger will be produced by Disney (no surprise there) but no shoot date has been set. Verbinski was waiting for a new project to sink his teeth into after wrapping his first animated feature Rango, which also stars Depp. When nothing else caught his attention he finally gave in and decided to direct The Lone Ranger.

The Lone Ranger character originated on the 1930s radio show of the same name and has seen many screen iterations, including a 1956 Warner Bros. film, a 1981 Universal feature and a 2003 telefilm on the WB starring Chad Michael Murray. In this recreation, Depp is slated to play the title character’s sidekick Tonto. We’re not sure who’ll actually play the headlining cowboy. Who’s talented enough to overshadow Depp on screen?

What do you think of Verbinski and Depp teaming up for The Lone Ranger?

Gore Verbinski And Johnny Depp Reuniting for Lone Ranger?

Krystal Clark — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:34:29 +0000

Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp just can’t stay away from each other. The director and actor worked together on the Pirates of the Caribbean series and the upcoming animated feature Rango, and according to Deadline they’re joining forces for another major project – The Lone Ranger. The adaptation of the popular television series has been in the works for well over the year, and Depp has been attached to play the title character’s sidekick Tonto. Now we’ve learned that Verbinski is in talks to direct the feature.

Disney is producing The Lone Ranger, along with Jerry Bruckheimer. These are two elements that were both present during the Pirates franchise along with Depp. The only thing that’s missing is Verbinski. Nothing has been cemented in stone yet but he’s the prime candidate to take the job. The director is said to be on the look out for his next major project and this could be it.

There’s no production start date set for The Lone Ranger, we’re sure that will depend solely on Depp’s schedule. He has more than a fair share of movies on his slate including Dark Shadows with Tim Burton.

What do you think of Verbinski and Depp reuniting for The Lone Ranger?

The Lone Ranger Movie Will Be An Origin Story

Krystal Clark — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:29:27 +0000

Super producer Jerry Bruckheimer opened up in a recent interview about the status of his upcoming Lone Ranger adaptation. We know that the title character has yet to be cast but his sidekick Tonto will more than likely be played by Johnny Depp, which is great but what about the story? And how are they going to find an actor who can play the lead opposite Depp without fading into the background? Bruckheimer shed some light on these questions and more…

Bruckheimer sat down with the folks over at MTV, and expressed how excited he is that Johnny Depp is interested in playing Tonto in the film. It’s a big deal considering the man’s schedule is always packed, especially with another Pirates of the Caribbean movie on the horizon (no pun intended). Regarding Ranger, the producer stated, “hopefully [we] will get done in the next year or so. We’re still working on the screenplay.” He went on to speak about the central plot of the film, which more than likely will be an origin story.

“This is the origin of Lone Ranger,” he said, “so you’re gonna see how the Lone Ranger became the Lone Ranger. He was a Texas Ranger, and how he became the Lone Ranger.”

The one thing that’s been on all of our minds is who will actually play The Lone Ranger? If Depp is the sidekick than the actor chosen for the lead has to have one hell of a screen presence. Bruckheimer did admit that the casting for the character is still ongoing, and he does realize it will be a hard choice to make.

“We don’t know that yet, that’s what we’re working on,” Bruckheimer explained. “Just trying to figure that all out. You find the right actor, and you’ll make it work no matter what their age.” He’s clear on what he’s looking for though, and confident about casting the right person. “A great actor who’s handsome and charismatic, which we’ll find.”

Hollywood is a town filled with pretty people, but finding an actor whose talent won’t be dwarfed by Depp will be a hard find. I’m not sure who can pull this off.

Who do you think they should cast as The Lone Ranger?

The Lone Ranger Get’s Revolutionary Road Writer

Krystal Clark — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:00:11 +0000

A screenwriter has finally been hired for the big screen adaptation of the popular series, The Lone Ranger. The show ran on television from 1949 to 1957 and starred Clayton Moore as the title character. A movie version was greenlit by Disney and will have super producer Jerry Brucheimer working behind the scenes. The latest edition to the film is none other than the screenwriter behind the acclaimed 2008 drama, Revolutionary Road.

Justin Haythe is in negotiations to write the screenplay for the film, which already has Johnny Depp attached to star as Tonto. The character was The Lone Ranger’s sidekick and originally played by Jay Silverheels. Pirates of the Caribbean scribes Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio were previously tapped to write the script but are no longer on board.

The Lone Ranger character originated on the 1930s radio show and has seen many screen iterations, including a 1956 Warner Bros. film, a 1981 Universal feature and a 2003 telefilm on the WB starring Chad Michael Murray. And what’s really sad is that I remember the WB version and it was horrible! There was no point of them putting such classic material through the ringer like that.

Now that a respectable screenwriter has been hired, the development of The Lone Ranger feature seems to be taking a turn for the better. But if you have someone as awesome as Johnny Depp playing Tonto, who could play the title character?

What do you think about Haythe handling the story for The Lone Ranger? Do you think he’s a good fit?

Source: Heat Vision

Will Mike Newell Direct The Lone Ranger?

Krystal Clark — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:30:43 +0000

The Lone Ranger feature is definitely happening. The Disney big screen adaptation of the old school radio/television series has been in development for a while now, and two important roles have already been filled. Jerry Bruckheimer is on board to produce and Johnny Depp will star as Tonto, the sidekick to the Lone Ranger. According to /Film another name is being considered for the production, and it’s Mike Newell. The director is currently in talks to helm the Terry Rossio & Ted Elliott adaptation.

Mike Newell would actually make a pretty good pick in terms of talent and vision. He obviously does well with fantasy films, he’s the man behind the 2005 installment of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, as well as the upcoming Prince of Persia film. He also directed Depp in the 1997 crime drama Donnie Brasco, so they’ve already established a working relationship with one another.

Even though things seem to be moving along smoothly there is a conflict of interest. Since the Lone Ranger is being produced by Disney, we probably won’t get a Green Hornet crossover. In Hornet, the hero’s alter ego Britt Reid is the great nephew of the Lone Ranger. Michel Gondry, who’s directing Hornet spoke to MTV and confessed that he would like to work in a Lone Ranger connection in his film. “I’ve suggested that in a cemetery we would see the horse of the Lone Ranger.” It doesn’t sound like much, but I guess it’s the best he can do.

With Disney closing in on a director, and big names like Depp and Bruckheimer already attached, who will play the Lone Ranger? That’s what we seem to be missing here. What actor is masculine and charismatic enough to dwarf Johnny Depp on screen? That’s a hard role to fill.

Who do you think should direct The Lone Ranger? Is Newell a good pick?

ScreenCrave.com » the lone ranger

Is Johnny Depp’s Lone Ranger Back From the Dead?

Related Posts

Werewolves Kill The Lone Ranger

Related Posts

Ryan Gosling Up For Lone Ranger?

Related Posts

Johnny Depp Talks The Lone Ranger

Related Posts

Johnny Depp Thinks George Clooney or Brad Pitt Could Play The Lone Ranger

Related Posts

Confirmed: Gore Verbinski Directing Johnny Depp in The Lone Ranger

Related Posts

Gore Verbinski And Johnny Depp Reuniting for Lone Ranger?

Related Posts

The Lone Ranger Movie Will Be An Origin Story

Related Posts

The Lone Ranger Get’s Revolutionary Road Writer

Related Posts

Will Mike Newell Direct The Lone Ranger?

Related Posts