Depp + Disney = 3 More Roles!!

Johnny Depp has signed on to three different films with Disney! First up, Depp will be back working with his favorite director yet again! That's right, Johnny Depp has been casted in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland which is being produced by Walt Disney Productions. Today in Los Angeles Disney roled out a press event in which they annouced the full cast for the 3D motion-capture film helmed by Tim Burton. The film is set to begin production in November with a March 5th 2010 release date pending. As previously announced Mia Wasikowska will play Alice while british comedian Matt Lucas (Little Britain) will play dual roles as Tweedledee & Tweedledum.

The second announcement came as a bit of a surprise and honestly confused reporters intially. During the event Disney brought out the USC marching band to the tune of "The Lone Ranger" and out came Johnny Depp in full Jack Sparrow garb, but with one difference, the Lone Ranger's iconic mask on! Yes, it seemed from the get-up Johnny Depp would be riding Silver alongside his trusted side-kick Tonto as none other than, the Lone Ranger! Details however emerged to say otherwise. Depp will in fact be playing Tonto. (Native American's might not be too upset either considering Depp's grandmother is of Cherokee origin) Pirates of the Caribbean writers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio have been writing the script and currently there is no scheduled start date for "The Lone Ranger" or any word on just who might play the Lone Ranger. One thing is certain, they will have to be able to out shine Depp, so casting the Lone Ranger has got to be a huge name! For Depp to play second fiddle seems a tad odd.

The final announcement came with regards to Depp's previously mentioned get-up. Depp was not dressed as Jack Sparrow for no reason. Yes, Depp will once again play the iconic pirate in the fourth film in the franchise. Not much was told about development, except it would still follow Sparrow and Barbossa's search for the Foutain of Youth. Disney did not comment on the return of Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa, but one would only assume he'll be back.

Obviously more to come on all three projects as news becomes available....


What are your thoughts on Depp's working relationship with Disney? He made them ass-loads of money with Pirates, so I am sure they do not want to let him go! Are you sick of Tim Burton and Depp together? Is Depp perfect as Mad Hatter as everyone seems to think? Depp as Tonto, seriously? Who should play the Lone Ranger? Strikeback....