Disney executives will be busy over the Labor Day weekend deciding whether to put their projected tentpole Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer, back into production now that producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski have submitted a revised budget for the film. Justin Kroll at Variety reports that Disney executives met with the duo on Thursday “and have decided to take the weekend to decide the fate of the pic. A decision is expected sometime next week.”

Were Disney to greenlight the film now, it could be difficult to be ready to start shooting on the original timetable — early November — and the Lone Ranger start date might have to be pushed to early 2012, after the holidays. Such a delay would, in turn, “make it very difficult” to have Lone Ranger ready for its planned release date of December 21, 2012, notes Variety. The tight deadlines make it crucial for Disney to make its decision soon . . . or to change the release date to accommodate the delay.

The Zone thanks Theresa for sharing the news; you can read more about Lone Ranger on the Zone’s News & Views forum.