Gore Verbinski's The Lone Ranger lost a big piece of the puzzle a couple days ago when it was announced that Dwight Yoakam would no longer be able to participate in the film. While this wouldn't have been a big issue if Yoakam was playing a random supporting character or bit part, but he had signed on to play one of the major bad guys working with Tom Wilkinson's big baddie. Needless to say, with production already delayed by budget concerns from last summer, Disney immediately got on their horse (if you can pardon the pun) and today it has been revealed who will be replacing Yoakam in the movie.

According to Deadline, character actor extraordinaire William Fitchner has been hired to take Dwight Yoakam's place in The Lone Ranger. The actor is currently filming the Navy SEAL drama Code Name: Geronimo, but he recently wrapped production on both Neill Blomkamp's Elysium and Todd Robinson's Phantom. The project is currently looking to film later this month so that it can meet its May 31, 2013 release date. The film has Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp attached to play the Lone Ranger and Tonto, respectively, while other supporting players include Helena Bonham Carter and James Frain.

Here's a fun fact: you can never go wrong by adding William Fitchner to your movie, and that goes double if you're getting him to play a villain. While he's great on an everyday basis, when he's allowed to be a snarky, dastardly prick he simply shines. Hence why he ranked #1 in our list of the 10 Best Performances In Terrible 2011 Movies.