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Tonto and the Lone Ranger Return
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Depp and Hammer, riding the range..
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Jerry Bruckheimer tweeted the pic at right -- the first official shot from The Lone Ranger of Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer as Tonto and the Lone Ranger, respectively. The Gore Verbinski-helmed Disney film, budgeted at $215 million, has been shooting for two weeks and looks for a May 2013 release.
Already it's a little controversial, with some complaining about Depp portraying "faithful Indian companion" and forgetting that he actually is of Native American descent. But why let facts get in the way of a good freak-out, especially with that raven headdress?
It's different, that's for sure, and regardless of what's going on in the movie, this posed shot does have Hammer, at least, looking a little squeaky clean if vaguely unshaven.
If reports of a supernatural adversary are true, then Tonto appearing to be more mystic shaman than trusty fighter makes sense. The final test, perhaps, will be in hearing what voice Depp uses.
As for Hammer, he's got the square-jawed good looks and he's not a bad actor, though he does tend to play shallow lightweights. Perhaps his John Reid will transform from Eastern dandy to rugged masked man.
Already there's been online criticism of his looking too Harvard, forgetting that John was the educated younger brother of the REAL Texas Ranger, stumbling (and surviving a massacre) his way into the role of Ranger.
Just for comparison, I've looked up some other portrayals of the characters -- how does Disney's version stack up? (Earlier coverage here and here)
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Michael Horse as Tonto in The Legend of the Lone Ranger from the 1980s.
Horse might be better known now for his role in the cult classic Twin Peaks.
His co-star Klinton Spillsbury might be better known now as the guy who had to be dubbed for his role as The Lone Ranger
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Probably the most iconic look -- Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels from the 1950's television show.
So yes, Mr. Bruckheimer, I would like my Lone Ranger in powder blue.
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