Rumor of the day: Start of Depp's Lone Ranger movie pushed back again

It seems like the start of production on Johnny Depp's Lone Ranger movie has been pushed back again...and this time, it's personal.

According to Comic Book Movie, a site called Johnny Depp Reads has reported that the February 10th issue of the Hollywood Reporter will reveal that principal photography for the movie, which was originally supposed to begin last fall, has now been pushed back by a week or two from its February 12th start date.

When the movie was first delayed last year, it was due to budget issues: the studio (Disney) wanted producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski to shave $40 million or so off the movie's mammoth $250 million budget. This time, however, Depp has requested the delay so that he can deal with his "personal life."

As reported worldwide, the intensely private Depp is rumored to have recently separated from his partner of 14 years and mother of his two children, Vanessa Paradis. Radar Online says he is finding solace in the arms of his Dark Shadows co-star Eva Green.

Verbinksi has reportedly agreed to the delay, which will cost the production an additional $4 million, saying he would "do it for Depp." The studio has also confirmed the delay, but not the reason, while a casting company has also told extras that they won't be needed now until March.

The Lone Ranger, with Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer in the title role, is slated to arrive in theatres on May 31st, 2013unless something else holds it up.


Comments