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.

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.

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.