William Fichtner joins Johnny Depp's 'The Lone Ranger'

PA Images / Brian Dowling

William Fichtner has been cast as The Lone Ranger's villain.

The Dark Knight actor will replace Dwight Yoakam as Butch Cavendish, reports Deadline.

The film centres around Johnny Depp as sidekick Tonto as he supports the titular hero, who will be played by Armie Hammer.

It has been described as "Don Quixote told from Sancho Panza's point of view" by director Gore Verbinski.

The cast also includes Ruth Wilson, Helena Bonham Carter, James Badge Dale, Barry Pepper, Tom Wilkinson and James Frain.

Yoakam dropped out of the project last week due to a scheduling conflict.

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Production was due to begin on the film this month. It is unclear whether the recasting has delayed those plans.

The Lone Ranger is planned for a May 31, 2013 release.