Original Cast Members Locked In For Lone Ranger, Other Actors Also Wanted

Deadline reports that Disney has locked in Armie Hammer (Social Network), Johnny Depp (as Tonto) and Ruth Wilson (Jane Eyre, Prisoner, Luther) for the leads in Gore Verbinski's (Pirates 1-3) Lone Ranger. It had been unknown even with Disney agreeing to a lowered budget that the cast would still be able to commit to the movie. The studio is interested in casting Tom Wilkinson as the film's villain. Helena Bonham Carter, James Badge Dale (Departed, The Pacific) and Dwight Yoakum (Crank 1-2) are also wanted for roles.

I'm all for more Disney films from Gore Verbinski but the western genre hasn't been in the best shape lately. Here's hoping that Gore can do for the western he did for the pirate genre. That being said I'm curious to see how much damage Mirror Mirror is going to do to Armie's creditability as a lead actor. As the goofy family film could make audiences cringe when trying to picture him as the masked avenging cowboy.

Bradley Cooper Front-Runner For Soderbergh's Man From UNCLE

ShowBlitz reports Bradley Cooper (Limitless, Hangover) is now Steven Soderbergh's choice to play Napoleon Solo in The Man From Uncle. It's a big change from previous wanted names for the role like George Clooney who dropped out along with hopefuls Matt Damon, Johnny Depp and Michael Fassbender. It was previously mentioned was that Warner Bros. was keen on bringing in Ryan Gosling for the role of Russian Agent Illya Kuryakin. While Soderbergh wanted up and coming Swedish actor Joel Kinnaman (Dragon Tattoo, Snabba Cash 1-3, Safe House, Killing, Darkest Hour) for the part of Illya. I think since they're hoping to go with Cooper, Gosling seems a better bet as both actors have a rather decent sized following.

Empire's Set Images From Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Lone Ranger Still Happening, Ruth Wilson Joins

It looks Disney isn't done with Gore Verbinski's (Pirates 1-3) The Lone Ranger just yet. It was reported Disney was unhappy with the projected budget of the film which was expected to cost $250 million. Deadline reports that the studio is still trying to work out a deal to get the film made with a lower budget of around $200 million. The western has Armie Hammer (Social Network, J. Edgar) and Johnny Depp in the leads. Another bit of news is that Ruth Wilson (Luther, The Prisoner) had landed the female lead in the film. It's expected the cast will all return for the production but the December 21st 2012 release date is now in question.

FIRST LOOK: Cast Of Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Ellie Kemper Joins 21 Jump Street

Variety reports Ellie Kemper (The Office, Bridesmaids) has joined 21 Jump Street. The film stars Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum Brie Larson, Ice Cube, Rob Riggle, Dave Franco, Johnny Simmons, Dakota Johnson, Jake M. Johnson and DeRay Davis with a cameo from Johnny Depp. It's expected to be more in the realm of the Apatow comedies rather than a homage to the original series.

Disney Could Look To Burton, Raimi, & Cuarón To Direct Pirates 5

CinemaBlend has word that Disney is eager to start developing Pirates 5 and are looking for a director. Not surprising as the fourth film is already north of $640 million. While they have a script in place from Terry Rossio as reported by HollywoodReporter. The curious thing is that Rob Marshall hasn't officially signed on to direct, yet is still wanted by the studio (just lip-service?). While successful financially the fourth film got only average reviews from critics. Blend has word that Disney is looking at Tim Burton, Sam Raimi, Shawn Levy, Alfonso Cuarón and Chris Weitz for the fifth installment.

Burton had been looked at for Pirates 4 but never signed on. He's becoming a studio stable with Alice In Wonderland, Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie and his Sleeping Beauty project Maleficent. I like the idea of Burton entering the world of Pirates but I'm not sure he would deliver a film any better than the previous ones.

Sam Raimi is directing the studio's next big fairy tale picture Oz, The Great & Powerful the Oz prequel which focuses on a young wizard. Raimi seems like the safest choice out of the bunch and could give audiences a fun film if given breathing room. My only concern is that he also had been working on pre-production for Warcraft which is likely his next film.

Alfonso Cuarón is the director that should be turning heads. His wonderful film Children of Men proved he's got the visual and storytelling chops that most directors inspired to have. Giving audiences family friendly entertainment with The Prisoner of Azkaban while keeping his dark style. Alfonso also has the promise of pumping the new blood needed to keep the franchise going. Unlike Raimi and Burton, Cuarón isn't deep in development on other large projects.

The filler choices seem to be Shawn Levy (Date Night, Real Steel) and Chris Weitz (Golden Compass) neither directors of garnered praise or success for their previous films as of yet. Levy is set to direct a remake of The Fantastic Voyage for producer James Cameron. There have also been talk of other projects with Hugh Jackman including a Real Steel sequel. Weitz seems an odd choice and left field when compared to the other candidates.

Armie Hammer In Talks To Join Johnny Depp In Lone Ranger

Deadline reports that Armie Hammer (Social Network) is in early talks to join Gore Verbinski's (Pirates 1-3) The Lone Ranger alongside Johnny Depp.

Ryan Gosling Could Join Johnny Depp As The Lone Ranger

Deadline reports that Ryan Gosling along with others are being courted for the role of the Lone Ranger. It had been mentioned that George Clooney and Timothy Olyphant were being looked at. Gosling recently attached himself to Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson) Logan's Run remake and it also involved with talks for Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) Gangster Squad. Johnny Depp is locked in the role of Tonto which the film will be told from his character's perspective.

I'm not sure how likely it is that Disney would be able to wrangle Ryan as he's been avoiding franchise projects like this one. He however didn't rule out The Flash and Wonder Woman.

RUMOR: Cruise, Reeves & Depp In The Running For Robocop?

MovieHole is claiming rumblings of possible candidates for MGM's Robocop remake with José Padilha (Elite Squad 1-2) set to direct. They include some big names such as Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves and Johnny Depp. I'd call bullshit on this rumor but I could see any of these actors in the role of Alex Murphy. I'd rather see Cruise in the film as it would be pretty shocking to see him killed on screen then resurrected as a cyborg cop. Of course this could totally false as all three actors have upcoming films about to shoot but it's still interesting to think one of these actors could be the next Robocop.

Chloe Moretz Joins Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Yet another impressive addition to Tim Burton's Dark Shadows which stars Johnny Depp. Deadline reports Chloe Moretz (Hugo Cabret) has joined the film based on the horror soap opera. Chloe is becoming known for taking roles beyond her years as she was previously seen in Kick-Ass and Let Me In. She will play the daughter of Michelle Pfeiffer's character. As the cast grows the more I have to Burton another chance. Even if I feel his last couple of films have been phoned in.

Michael Sheen Could Join Dark Shadows

ThePlaylist has learned that Michael Sheen is interested in taking a role in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows. The film based on the classic horror soap opera already boats a cast that includes Johnny Depp, Jackie Earle Haley, Eva Green, Bella Heathcote, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter. 

RUMOR: Timothy Olyphant The Lone Ranger & Olivia Wilde Lara Croft?

Some casting rumors have surfaced online and they seem very odd for some reason. First Timothy Olyphant is apparently a candidate for the role of The Lone Ranger for Disney. Olyphant recently worked with both director Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp (Tonto) on Rango. The film would be told from perspective of Tonto and the Ranger himself would likely be a smaller role. Previously George Clooney had been rumored for the role but it's likely Clooney is too busy with other projects. While I believe Timothy's work on shows like Deadwood and Justified make him an excellent candidate. He hasn't had much success in the world of film with efforts like Hitman, The Crazies and Gone In 60 Seconds hindering his abilities. As it's a western I think I can hold off any judgment.

Also, Olivia Wilde is on the producers' wishlist for the new incarnation of Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider reboot. It seems like a massive step-up from the previous talk of Megan Fox who has strangely fallen into obscurity as of late. Wilde seems like an excellent choice but without a solid source backing up this rumor it's unlikely to happen. Olivia has started to become known for her roles in genre based film with Tron Legacy, Cowboys & Aliens, Now and rumored involvement with Superman. I have zero interest in a Lara Croft film and unless they bring in a big name director with a stellar cast I don't think anyone else will.

Michelle Pfeiffer & Helena Bonham Carter In Talks To Join Dark Shadows

Dark Shadows is looking to be yet another solid film for Warner Bros. as the Tim Burton film is set to start production in April. HeatVision reports that Michelle Pfeiffer is currently in talks to take the role of Elizabeth Collins Stoddard. Michelle and Burton last worked on Batman Returns. Deadline also says that Burton's wife Helena Bonham Carter is interested in the role of psychologist Hoffman. I think if Helena wants a role she'll get it. The impressive cast already includes Johnny Depp, Jackie Earle Haley, Eva Green and Bella Heatcote.

Eva Green Joins Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Deadline reports that Eva Green (Casino Royale) has been cast as Angelique in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows. A powerful witch who was alternately tormented and bewitched by her love-hate relationship with Barnabas Collins (Depp). So it looks like we can forget about those Dark Knight Rises rumors. Depp will star as Barnabas while Jackie Earle Hale and Bella Heathcote are in talks to join.

New On Stranger Tides Images

Jackie Earle Haley & Bella Heathcote In Talks For Dark Shadows

Deadline reports that Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen, Little Children) is in talks for the role of Loomis in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows. Up and coming Australian actress Bella Heathcote is up for the role of Victoria Winters. Heathcote was linked to the lead in Snow White & The Huntsman along with a small role in Cogan's Trade.

Johnny Depp will star as vampire Barnabas Collins and will also produce as it's a passion project for the actor. Setup at Warner Bros., the film is based on the cult horror soap opera. It's script was written by John August (Big Fish) and Seth Grahame-Smith (Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter).

RDJ Exits Sam Raimi's OZ: The Great & Powerful , Depp To Replace Him?

HeatVision reports that Robert Downey Jr. has left Disney's Oz: The Great & Powerful which is being directed by Sam Raimi (Evil Dead & Spider-Man Trilogies). The site expects Johnny Depp could very well step in to save the production for the studio. It would be a safer choice for Disney as they have a strong relationship with Depp and he's already been involved in a re-imagining of a classic story with Alice In Wonderland.

The only issue would be his availability since he's starting production on Tim Burton's Dark Shadows next. Depp will also be busy starring in three other Disney films with Lone Ranger playing Tonto along with Pirates 5 and Pirates 6. The last two have been rumored to be shooting back to back. The site mentions that Oz is further along than Ranger and could start production in the second half of the year.

Pirates 5 & Pirates 6 To Shoot In 2012?

 HitFix is reporting that Disney is quietly planning on filming Pirates 5 and Pirates 6 sometime in the future. The films would be shot back to back similar to what happened with Deadman's Chest and World's End.  Of course this would only get greenlit if On Stranger Tides is a massive box office success which is assumed it will be. The current cast and director Rob Marshall are expected to return for the two films that would bookend a new trilogy. Depp will be busy with Dark Shadows and Lone Ranger next year so 2012 seems the best time for these films to start production.

I have to admit I enjoy Depp's Jack Sparrow no matter how ridiculous the sequels become. My expectations re high for the franchise since we're not saddled with Bloom and Knightley. Bringing in new blood and Rob Marshall could help give us something fresh and exciting.

 Depp is quickly becoming Disney's go-to-guy and I'm hopeful this could lead to him playing Doctor Strange. Disney has yet to announce their first Marvel film but Doctor Strange has been in Marvel Studios' expected new lineup for months now. There had been rumors of Johnny playing Strange with Guillermo del Toro possibly directing.

Guillermo del Toro while busy with At The Mountains of Madness is currently working with Disney for a new Haunted Mansion film. He's long been interested in Strange and Marvel seems interested to bring the character to the screen. If anyone could find way to bring the mystical superhero properly to life del Toro is the man. ndy

Gore Verbinski Confirmed To Direct The Lone Ranger

While the Pirates of The Caribbean director had been in talks with Disney to start a new potential franchise with Johnny Depp in a supporting role as Tonto. Deadline has finally confirmed Gore Verbinski has signed on to direct The Lone Ranger. I would have to assume they've already found their Lone Ranger but have yet to announce it. There had been talk of George Clooney taking on the role but I believe he might be just slightly too old. Here's hoping for someone slightly younger like Jon Hamm. I wouldn't even be surprised to see Brad Pitt take the role since his love for westerns and previously working with Gore on The Mexican.