Posted on 08/13/2011 3:37:26 AM PDT by tlb
In a stunning development, Disney has shut down production on The Lone Ranger, the Gore Verbinski-directed period Western that was to star Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the title character. Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer and the script is by Justin Haythe.
I'm told this all just happened, and Disney pulled the plug because of the budget. I've heard the filmmakers were trying to reduce the film's cost from $250 million (some even say $275 million) down to $232 million.
The Lone Ranger was scheduled to be released December 21, 2012, smack up against The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which opens December 14, and the Brad Pitt-starrer World War Z, which was just slated for December 21.
This had to be an incredibly tough call for Disney's Rich Ross and Sean Bailey, but they have several huge live-action bets on the table already. Budgetbusters include John Carter, the Andrew Stanton-directed adaptation of John Carter of Mars with Friday Night Lights' Taylor Kitsch in the lead role, has a budget that has ballooned because of extensive re-shoots, and The Great and Powerful Oz, the Sam Raimi-directed James Franco-starrer.
The Lone Ranger has a long history, but Disney counted on Depp to make it relevant with a comedic twist.
(Excerpt) Read more at deadline.com ...
Like the comments at the site I have some difficulty seeing where you spend $250 million for the Lone Ranger. How much does a big rock cost.
Clayton Moore enters from the right, riding Silver and they rear-up as the camera comes in for a brief close .. then off again to the right ...
all that from a rock.
(Cue Bob Hope; "Thanks For The Memory ... ")
The Lone Ranger finishes off his whiskey, slams down the glass, turns around and says, “It's my horse. Why do you want to know?”
The cowboy looks at him and says, “Well, your horse is standing out there in the sun and he don't look too good.”
The Lone Ranger and Tonto run outside and they see that Silver is in bad shape, suffering from heat exhaustion. The Loan Ranger moves his horse into the shade and gets a bucket of water. He then pours some of the water over the horse and gives the rest to Silver to drink.It is then he notices that there isn't a breeze so he asks Tonto if he would start running around Silver to get some air flowing and perhaps cool him down.
Being a faithful friend, Tonto starts running around Silver. The Lone Ranger stands there for a bit then realizes there is not much more he can do, so he goes back into the bar and orders another whiskey.
After a bit a cowboy walks in and says, “Who's white horse is that outside?”
Slowly the Lone Ranger turns around and says, “That is my horse, what is wrong with him now?”
“Nothing,” replies the cowboy, “I just wanted to let you know that you left your Injun running.”
Disney (Spit!)
The Lone Ranger with Depp as Tonto? That’s enough comedy right there. And...And the Lone Verbinsky? Who plays the part of Silver? Francis the talking mule or Mr. Ed?
Too funny~
Let's take another iconic image and drag it through the scum layer.
Depp as Tonto? For a 'comedic twist'? Why -- would the idea of a competent Tonto be too 'unparadigmatic'?
Maybe they could get Depp to prance around a campfire with feathers, slap his hand to his mouth, and chant, "Woo-woo-woo-woo" while someone beats a drum.
Probably reprise Will Smith's role from the Wild Wild West fiasco, or better yet -- why not bring in Will Smith as THE LONE RANGER (with Clevon Little as his dad)!
Then, sure -- Francis or Mr. Ed as Silver. Maybe even throw in Beethovan as a canine companion for Tonto.
As long as we're chumming for the lowest comedy denominator, why not?
Depp is over-exposed and nearly tiresome as the swishy pirate now.
Disney shoulda gone to Tim Burton and said “Hey what can you do with 100 mill? We’ll give you 15%”
Wouldn’t win an oscar, but would have made 500 mill or more...
LOL. I can't see how you can spend that much money on a western. Are there going to be a lot special effects and computer animation? Where would the money go?
..well, ok;
The Lone Ranger was ambushed and captured by an enemy Indian War Party.
The Indian Chief proclaims, "So, YOU are the great Lone Ranger" . "In honor of the Harvest Festival, YOU will be executed in three days." "Before I kill you, I grant you three requests" "What is your FIRST request ???'
The Lone Ranger responds, "I'd like to speak to my horse."
The Chief nods and Silver is brought before the Lone Ranger who whispers in Silver's ear, and the horse gallops away.
Later that evening, Silver returns with a beautiful blonde woman on his back. As the Indian Chief watches, the blonde enters the Lone Ranger's tent and spends the night.
The next morning the Indian Chief admits he's impressed.. "You have a very fine and loyal horse", "But I will still kill you in two days." "What is your SECOND request ???" The Lone Ranger again asks to speak to his horse.
Silver is brought to him, and he again whispers in the horse's ear.
As before, Silver takes off and disappears over the horizon. Later that evening, to the Chief's surprise, Silver again returns, this time with a voluptuous brunette, more attractive than the blonde.
She enters the Lone Rangers tent and spends the night. The following morning the Indian Chief is again impressed. "You are indeed a man of many talents," "But I will still kill you tomorrow." "What is your LAST request ???" The Lone Ranger responds, "I'd like to speak to my horse, .... alone."
The Chief is curious, but he agrees, and Silver is brought to the Lone Ranger's tent. Once they're alone, the Lone Ranger grabs Silver by both ears, Looks him square in the eye and says, Listen Very Carefully !!!!
FOR... THE... LAST... TIME... I SAID ... "BRING POSSE"
lol
((Groan)) LOL
Lone Ranger: well Tonto, we are surrounded by hostile Indians.
Tonto: what do you mean “we” white man?
/rimshot
250 mil for an “oater”? Someone SHOULD wake up and pull the plug. Geez.
This is all a plot to keep me from reviving my career...
I blame Wilbur.
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