Disney Saves "The Lone Ranger"

With the film out of danger, look for production to begin early next year.

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Disney has gotten back on the horse and manuevered The Lone Ranger out of danger. After originally halting production due to its whopping $200+ budget, enough cost cuts have been made to get the pic back on track. Deadline reports that "the studio is likely to have everything resolved by next week, and can start rehiring crew so that the picture will be ready to begin production in January or February." Looks like star Johnny Depp gets what he wants, but how that late start impacts the December 21, 2012 release date remains to be seen.

Armie Hammer is set to play The Lone Ranger alongside Depp, who will play Tonto, and Ruth Wilson is expected to remain aboard as the female lead. It still remains to be seen what will happen to folks like Dwight Yoakam, Tom Wilkinson, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, and Helena Bonham Carter who were all circling roles. All that's left to ask is the looming question in the room: Can the House of Mouse blockbuster still bring the sizzle with less of the steak?

[via Deadline]

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