Johnny Depp and Arnie Hammer – First Pictures of the Lone Ranger and Tonto! [photo]

I had some doubts when I heard that the Lone Ranger was back in production.  Johnny Depp wanted to do the movie, but the project was put on hold when the budget for John Carter flew to $250 Million.  (That’s right, John Carter costs Disney $250 Million).

Eventually Disney saw the  [green] light at the end of the tunnel, realizing that with possible merchandising, a sequel and Depps built in fan base, The Lone Ranger could be extremely profitable.  The project was back on.

TONTO IS THE HEAD HONCHO

Like me, you are probably wondering why Depp is playing Tonto, the Lone Rangers sidekick.  Especially with the actor playing the Lone Ranger is not widely known.  That’s because this time, the film is centered around Tonto!  This is a huge break from the 1950’s television version.  The director Gore Verbinski describes his vision for the movie,

“The only version of ‘The Lone Ranger’ I’m interested in doing is ‘Don Quixote’ told from Sancho Panza’s point of view… And hence 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.”

Depp’s inspiration for the role goes into his Indian heritage. He is 1/8 Indian by way of his great great grandmother.   He wanted to portray Indians with a little more respect then they were given in classic Westerns type cinema.  Depp stated,

“I remember watching (the TV series) as a kid . . . and going: ‘Why is the [expletive] is the Lone Ranger telling Tonto what to do? … When the idea came up (Tonto to be the central character for the movie) I started thinking about Tonto and what could be done in my own small way to try — eliminate isn’t possible — but reinvent the relationship, to attempt to take some of the ugliness thrown on the Native Americans, not only in ‘The Lone Ranger,’ but the way Indians were treated throughout history of cinema, and turn it on its head.”

Either way, Depp looks cool as hell in that photo and if anyone can play a unique character it’s Johnny.

Like Jerry Bruckheimer said when he tweeted the photo,

“Tonto and the Lone Ranger Ride Again!”

COSMO
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