Disney has announced that it will start up production on a rendition of "The Lone Ranger", possibly for a 2012 release date.This coming after, back in August, Disney officially shut down the idea because of the proposed 250 million dollar budget. Now, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski have dropped the budget slightly to $215 million, putting the project back on track.
Along for the ride will be Armie Hammer ('The Social Network') as the masked, titular hero and Johnny Depp as the hero's sidekick, Tonto.
With the budget being so high and the re-teaming of Verbinski, Bruckheimer, Disney, and Depp ('Pirates of the Caribbean'), it seems that this picture could be another fancy-free 'Pirates'-esque production.
Essentially, this is not a terrible move on Disney's part, due to the insane cash flow that the 'Pirates' movies have gathered for them. However, with Depp in a sidekick role and the failure of 'Cowboys & Aliens', its questionable how well-received this outing will be.
Initial script reports and interviews with Depp make it seem that the movie will focus on Native American werewolves as the main antagonists. Its this kind of genre-crossing antics that failed to grab audiences when 'Cowboys & Aliens' came out this summer and one would wonder how this type of action fare would be received at the proposed December 21, 2012 release date. If history tells us anything, not good. (For example: Last winter's 'True Grit' had tremendous critical backing and only managed a $250 million worldwide box office, but comparatively only had a $38 million budget.)
When it comes down to it, the way Disney has flip-flopped on this picture could be an omen as to the popularity of 'The Lone Ranger' when it finally is released. One blown production obviously will not ruin a powerhouse like Disney, but taking a $215 million risk on an untested property is rarely a great business decision. That said, 2012 could see a cold winter for Disney and friends.
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