The Lone Ranger: Principal Photography to Begin in New Mexico in February
Posted 01.18.12 by BrentJS
The Lone Ranger (and Tonto) will ride again...in New Mexico.
First announced nearly four years ago, Disney's adaptation of The Lone Ranger is finally poised to begin filming after the studio pulled back the reins and put a halt to the production in August of last year because of a ballooning budget estimated to be in excess of $250 million (some say that CGI werewolves were to blame for the mega-budget, but producer Jerry Bruckheimer chalked it up to too many locations and missing a budget submission deadline). Apparently, Bruckheimer was finally able to order off of the menu without choosing all of the "desserts" that he wanted because the New Mexico Film Office announced yesterday that The Lone Ranger will commence principal photography in New Mexico in February 2012 and shoot throughout the state through the middle of August 2012.
New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez used the announcement as an opportunity to hype the burgeoning film industry in New Mexico, which last year hosted Marvel Studios' The Avengers and Arnold Schwarzenegger's comeback vehicle, The Last Stand.
The Lone Ranger is proof that New Mexico’s film industry is alive and well. This administration is committed to fostering productive relationships with film studios so we can continue to offer our talented workforce and breathtaking backdrops for major productions. As we continue to build upon our reputation as a premier film production center, we are pleased to welcome The Lone Ranger to our state.
The announcement also included a statement from Bruckheimer, who sounded delighted that New Mexico would be the new home of The Lone Ranger.
We couldn’t be happier to bring The Lone Ranger production to New Mexico. The state’s world-class crews, local talent and spectacular locations will be critical in helping us take this iconic story and legendary characters to new heights. I’d like to thank Governor Martinez, the New Mexico Film Office, and the people of New Mexico for welcoming The Lone Ranger to your state.
The Lone Ranger was written by Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road) and will be directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean, Rango). Here's the synopsis of the movie from the press release:
Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer) a man of the law, into a legend of justice — taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.
Not all deals have been finalized, but the cast of The Lone Ranger is expected to include Tom Wilkinson as the primary villain, railroad tycoon Latham Cole; Ruth Wilson, as the female lead, Rebecca; Barry Pepper as Captain J. Fuller; Helena Bonham Carter as the madam of a brothel; Dwight Yoakam as the villainous Butch Cavendish; and James Badge Dale as Dan Reid, the Lone Ranger's older brother and leader of the Texas Rangers. The Lone Ranger will open on May 31, 2013.