I have to imagine that Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter must be pretty chummy. After all, the two, connected by director Tim Burton have made four films together in the last six years and are currently working on their fifth (Dark Shadows). Apparently they can't seem to break the habit, though, because now their set to make their first film together without the Edward Scisssorhands director.
Variety has learned that Bonham Carter, Dwight Yoakam, Barry Pepper and James Badge Dale are all in talks to join The Lone Ranger. Directed by Gore Verbinski, the film stars Armie Hammer as the titular hero and Depp as his Native American sidekick, Tonto. Tom Wilkinson and Ruth Wilson have also been confirmed, the movie set to go into production this fall. In the film the legendary duo will be hunting down a group of criminals called the Cavendish gang after they attack some Texas Rangers. Should they sign, Yoakam would play Butch Cavendish, the main villain and head of the gang; Pepper would be "Captain J. Fuller, the leader of the seventh cavalry;" Dale would play the leader of the aforementioned Texas Rangers and the Lone Ranger's older brother; and Carter will be a madam at a local brothel. The film has a release date of December 21, 2012.
While I'm still not entirely convinced this project needs to exist (the fact that Jerry Bruckheimer's name is attached sends a few chills down my spine) but this is gearing up to be one hell of a cast. I've always felt that Youkam is an underrated actor, Pepper should be a superstar by this point in his career, Dale is always solid and Bonham Carter is always fun to watch and could be particularly delightful in this role. Provided the script by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, and Justin Haythe is at least halfway decent we may actually have something to look forward to here.
