Mike Newell in talks to direct THE LONE RANGER

Production Weekly reports that Mike Newell is in talks to direct Disney’s The Lone Ranger, to be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer from a script by POTC scribes Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. The role of the masked Ranger is yet to be cast, but Johnny Depp will play Tonto, the Ranger’s Native American friend/strategist/support staff. Newell seems a likely choice for the project, since he has just finished directing Mr. Bruckheimer’s Prince of Persia, due in theaters this summer.

Newell also has a history with Johnny Depp, having directed JD and Al Pacino in Donnie Brasco. His impressive resume includes Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Enchanted April. The photo at left shows Mike Newell with Johnny Depp at the 2005 BAFTA Awards, when Johnny presented him with the John Schlesinger Award. It would certainly be a pleasure to see them work together again.

The Zone thanks Sleepy for the news–you can read more about The Lone Ranger on the News & Views forum. –Part-Time Poet