Verbinski May Reteam With Depp for Disney's THE LONE RANGER

Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski is supposedly in talks to helm the Western remake The Lone Ranger, with Johnny Depp portraying Tonto.

"In the early days of the western United States, a masked man and an Indian rode the plains, searching for truth and justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear, when from out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse, Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again."

Deadline Hollywood has revealed the news that Verbinski, who's recently completed production on his first animated film Rango, is in negotiations with Walt Disney Pictures to direct the producer Jerry Bruckheimer's Lone Ranger remake. Johnny Depp is set to portray the Lone Ranger's trusty sidekick Tonto. If this deal comes to fruition it would mark the fifth film Verbinski has worked on with the Pirates of the Caribbean star. No production start date has been set for the film.

The story of the Lone Ranger dates back to January 30, 1933; when it was first aired via radio all around the country. Though slight variations were made with every incarnation of the character, the story has remained the same: After a grisly ambush, a lone surviving Texas Ranger was nursed back to health by a Native American named Tonto. Presumed dead, the Ranger decides not to return to his life, and instead dedicates himself to protecting the innocent. Armed with silver bullets, he rides throughout the West alongside Tonto, dealing out swift justice. Clayton Moore, who portrayed the Masked Man for many years on television and film, was so closely associated with the iconic character that he never made public appearances without the Ranger's mask on.

Pop Culture Trivia: The Lone Ranger's full name was never revealed, only his last name, Reid, was alluded to on occasion. Britt Reid, also known as the Green Hornet, was the nephew of the Lone Ranger.