Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels as The Lone Ranger and Tonto
I remember watching The Lone Ranger on TV, the classic show that was adapted from George W. Trendle’s classic old-time radio show. I still listen to the replays of the old 1930’s radio show today on SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
“A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty ‘Hi-yo, Silver!’, The Lone Ranger!“
Oh yea. Those are good memories. Listening to the radio show has its own merits. If you’re a regular long time reader of Screen Rant, then you also know that there are efforts afoot to get a modern day version of The Lone Ranger on the silver screen.
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In February of 2008, we told you about Jerry Bruckheimer looking to redo The Lone Ranger. Like we said then, with a Disney backed Bruckheimer behind the lens, The Lone Ranger is in for some interesting action.
We also pointed out that the effort was going to be written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, who have penned a few things in the past, including Aladdin, Shrek and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Then in September of 2008, we let you know the news that Johnny Depp was coming on as Tonto.
With Depp playing Tonto, who in the heck is going to lead Depp as the main character, The Lone Ranger? Early… very early rumors put Nicolas Case in the mask. More recent rumors have George Clooney possibly playing The Lone Ranger.
Several sites said that Clooney was signed on and other sites reported it but linked to themselves rather than their sources. Eesh. In circles we all go, but then, this is why you come to Screen Rant, to get straightened out.
After the Clooney speculation floated around, Bruckheimer himself denied that Clooney had been confirmed for the role, saying that they needed to find a director first.
Now we have a director who is in contract talks to helm the project – His name is Mike Newell. Sound familiar? It might if you’re a Prince of Persia fan. Right now Newell is in the middle of directing Prince of Persia, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton, but when he’s done there, he just might head on over to helm our surviving Texas Ranger.
His past credits, if you’re wondering, include the 2005 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and he’s worked with Johnny Depp before when he directed the 1997 film Donnie Brasco.
Tonto
I know Depp has talent that comes from some untapped depth of character, but Tonto? Is there something out there he’s done that might make you think Depp can pull off a Tonto characterization? I’m sure he’ll deliver as usual. He has an expansive source of originality. But… I am not wrapping my mind around this that easily. My wife snapped at me that she can totally see him as Tonto. Anyone else want to weigh in on that?
The Lone Ranger
There have been no confirmations. In fact, there seem to have been denials of George Clooney playing the Texas Ranger. Yet, even if the denials are just SOP, I again, can’t wrap my mind around Clooney on a horse, in a mask. The last time he donned a mask, well, it probably wasn’t a great experience for him… though he did get to work with the slinky hot Uma Thurman doing Batman And Robin if that counts for anything. How about Dolph Lundgren? WAIT… don’t go to the comments section to flame me… I was just fooling with you guys. Seeing who’s really reading.
About The Story Of The Lone Ranger
It all starts with six Texas Rangers getting ambushed by a ruthless gang. Five are killed. The sixth Ranger survives, but leaves six graves so the gang that ambushed them didn’t know he survived. One of those graves holds his brother. Hence, he dons the mask so he cannot be recognized, keeping the myth of his death alive. The gang would not know he’s out there looking for them. He is driven by his vow to bring the gang that ambushed him and killers like them, all to justice.
- The masked man’s last name is Reid, (Though he originally went unnamed), and once he had a name, he was never given a first name by the original series, though later modern-day versions have.
- The original radio program ran for an amazing 2,900+ episodes.
- His mask was made from the Ranger vest of his fallen brother who was one of the other 5 Rangers.
- Silver was a white stallion that was attacked by a buffalo. Reid and Tonto found the horse and nursed it back to health. The horse stayed with him from that point on from gratitude.
- He used silver bullets because like life, silver is valuable and should not be wasted. With that, he vowed to never shoot to kill.
After All Is Said And Done
This new version of The Lone Ranger will again show us the origin of how The Lone Ranger came to be. The question will be how closely Bruckheimer sticks to the story or if he’ll really make it his own in this era of endless remakes.
I’ve been a big fan of the franchise and I am building a subtle anticipation for this project. I hope I’m not alone in that! Am I?
Sources: Wikipedia, BBC News, Coming Soon, Main Image: The Lone Ranger Club,
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48 Comments
Yeah like Fred & Barney, Ralph and Norton, Scooby & Shaggy vs the rest of the gang, Inspector Gadget and Penny, etc, etc..The titular characters always had someone to always make them look good or pull their butts out of the flames..
Signing off prtfvr..yope hou beel fetter.. just kidding..hope the back feels better..
Exactly, and do we really need another Lone Ranger. Can’t we let it rest in peace? Just because it was popular back then, doesn’t mean we need it now. We can only be grateful that it’s a movie and not a series!
Johnny Depp has always made interesting movie choices but sometimes ya gotta wonder, what’s going on.
I’m fine with all the comic books movies. They’re new. Who’da thunk that books and comic books make good movies without having to constantly remake stuff that wasn’t very good in the first place. Dallas the movie? Remaking Melrose Place? WHY?
Night greenknight. Thaks for the well wishes and messing up the words on purpose. You know that’s not nice to torment someone hopped hopped up on goofballs.
I’d be signing off too if it wasn’t for the fact that this is the best I’ve felt all days.
Cheers!
Oh Gawd, another remake? I give up. I just give up.
Let me know when there’s something original….
@Doug
That’s never going to happen. In fact, as the years go by people are becoming less original. Oh, there are a few movies to be amazed by but mostly, mostly it’s remakes.
Sorry dude. I’m disappointed too.
i agree we need a strong actor to play the lone ranger
no idea who though???
as for tonto how about Benjerman Brett ” from Law and Order”
JMO
DOUG:
If we waited to let you know about only original movies, this would be one really boring site while we make one post a month!
It is a rather insidious process where the studios are only redoing that which had any sort of mediocre success from the 80’s. It’s one of many fascinating aspects of marketing. Tap familiar subjects or themes from one’s youth and the association helps the demographic relate.
Face it, we all have some form of enjoyment from our youth…
At least that’s one of many different angles on this noise of marketing and what I presume to be part of this silly era of 2009-80’s movies.
@Bruce
Why does it have to be from our youth. I’m not that old but I wouldn’t mind seeing ‘My Man Godfrey’ (I know, it was already a remake in the ’30s) or ‘The Philadelphia Story’ although that would be hard to improve.
What did we have in the ’80s? Space Balls, Roxanne, Airplane…I hope no one ever remakes the classics.
Actually, I loved those movies. Especially Roxanne.
I have an original movie idea:
**** SCREEN RANT: THE MOVIE! ****
Staring: greenknight333, prtfvr, and Robert Palmer.
Sorry prtfvr, but the director wants you to stay on the meds for the duration.
You three kept me riveted to my seat.
Now what this post about? Oh yea. The Lone Ranger.
So far, I’m hoping all the actors said to be in this remake are just rumor! It’s going to be a difficult job to find people who can fill the saddles of Moore and Silverheels.
@JustDavid
Riveted to your seat?! OW! I hope that they didn’t put the rivets anywhere TOO painful.
But I have to say, I like a man who’s easily pleased.
Back to The Lone Ranger:
They’re not going by ass size as compared to the saddles I hope. Or else Johnny Depp is going to be constantly sliding out of his. But he’s so tiny and cute. Maybe it’s a comdey.
About the drugs: You have no fear of me not being on them for at least a little while longer so you’d better point some Neosporin on those rivets.
Depp is not a rumor.
Dear Hollywood,
Please cast ADULTS in these rolls. I’m tired of kids pretending to be Icons.
Thanks! -Stark
I’m sick of them calling it The Lone Ranger. What did that make Tonto? A servant and they don’t count. Lone Ranger my ass. Even the horse helped him sometimes.
Ok, if you’re wondering. My back is REALLY f#@Cked up today so yes, I’m on drugs and I’m not high but I wouldn’t say I’m at the top of my game either. I still stand by what I said. The Lone Ranger was never alone!
Dude = you’re right.
And back problems suck. No 2 ways about that!
@Bruce
Thanks man. I still resent Vic for recovering so fast. It’s been 2.5 months. I’m tired of this controlling what I do, where I go. Anyhow…
There are too many interesting movies coming out this month. Didn’t get to see Wolverine this weekend which I’m really bummed about but there weren’t enough drugs in the world that can make these cheap-ass Pennsylvania movie seats comfortable.
Star Wars, I’ll drag myself there in a wheelchair although I’m really a Wolvie, snickidy, snick, snick fan.
One day I’ll be off drugs and not walk like Frankenstein anymore. It could happen but it ain’t happening any time soon.
Please tell Vic I resent him deeply.
I’m a bit spectacle of Terminator Salvation. I mean, when are they going to FINALLY fix that pesky time portal? Just when you think it’s over, they keep pulling you back in!
@prtfvr
Sorry to hear your back is still giving you trouble. Keep in mind that I prepped for my spinal fusion by getting into the best physical condition I’d ever been in, despite the pre-surgery pain.
I think that made all the difference.
Vic
I know, I was just kidding. Back surgery in November and then February will wear a person down and I’m sick of this. You were smart to get into shape. I only have one shape, round.
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