Gore Verbinski to Direct “The Lone Ranger”

Gore Verbinski to Direct “The Lone Ranger”

Movie News

By our guest blogger, Joseph Oliveto

Gore Verbinski may be through with the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, but it looks as though that’s not going to keep him from reuniting with star Johnny Depp as often as possible. The two have already collaborated on “Rango,” a computer-animated film due in theaters next year. Now, Deadline has reported that Verbinski has also signed on to direct a big-screen adaptation of “The Lone Ranger,” the popular radio and TV show about a dedicated Texas lawman. Johnny Depp is already attached to the project as trusty sidekick Tonto, presumably because he has a little bit of Cherokee heritage.

“A little bit” is “enough” in Hollywood lingo.

Verbinski first found wide success helming the American remake of “The Ring,” but it was the “Pirates” films that truly gave his career the boost it needed. Although the series got confusing and cumbersome by the third installment, the first entry was one of the best family adventure pictures since “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” If he can bring that same sense of fun and light-hearted excitement to his take on “The Lone Ranger,” we’re all for it.

The real question, however, is who will actually play the Ranger. With Johnny Depp in the second-string role, it will take a major star to fill those shoes (or cow-boots, as the case happens to be). So far, the studio hasn't found anyone for the part, but we're likely to hear some news on that in the near future with a director now attached to the project.

In the meantime, Verbinski has also been involved in the development of a television show which will combine elements of the police procedural with supernatural storylines. We’re guessing that Johnny Depp will probably pass on a chance to show up in that one.