If you haven’t already seen it courtesy of other, more Johnny-on-the-spot sources of Internet film journalism, then I’m happy to give you the first released glimpse of Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp in Disney’s 2013 release, Lone Ranger. From what I’m told, producer Jerry Bruckheimer Tweeted this image just today– which may not be surprising given that filming on the project started this week.
For me, the image first and foremost serves as a reminder that Lone Ranger is actually shooting. I’m not sure that’s really what Bruckheimer had in mind when he got on Twitter earlier in the afternoon, but then again it’s probably good to help the public remember that your much-delayed film– which for a while seemed like it might end up getting tanked– is actually under production. For serious reals.
The second takeaway I have is that while Hammer looks pretty great here, Depp looks like, well, a certain pirate he’s come to be known for playing. Hammer’s got a chiseled, stoic look to him, highly appropriate for the character, so he fits the part even if the rubber face mask is a bit of a gaffe out of time. Strictly speaking, I like Tonto’s look (though I suspect Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski might have used the forces behind Portlandia in making certain design choices), and if another actor had been cast in the role, I might like it even more. But with the rampant hair accessorizing, it’s hard not to look at Tonto and see Captain Jack; I wouldn’t be surprised if that wasn’t intentional, either.
A Constant Visual Feast 
So much for Johnny Depp honoring Native Americans. I don’t know what tribe dressed like that.
Obviously the Armisten tribe.
It’s so stylized that I can’t get that offended, but I think it’s painfully clear that the design team didn’t put much thought into the costume beyond “How can we connect Depp to PotC while he’s playing a Native American”.
Yeah, I agree. I just feel it’s a slap in the face to Native Americans after Depp went around saying how he’s part Cherokee and he wants to honor them with this role. If appearances can be believed, he’s turned Tonto into a cartoon character.
I think he can only honor them through his performance; costume choices are outside of his purview, though you’d think a guy like Depp could influence the decisions of his design team. Maybe not. Or maybe he doesn’t really know a damn thing about the Cherokee.
Actually, Depp has stated in interviews that he participates in the creation of his characters’ costume and make up design. Yes, they have talented people who do the hard work, but he brainstorms with them and has final approval.
Well, then, what the hell.
I think it is from the same tribe they used in “Nate & Hayes” back in the late 70s or early 80s.
Interesting. I know absolutely nothing about Nate & Hayes. Elaborate!
“Nate & Hayes” is a pirate movie from 1983 staring Tommy Lee Jones and Michael O’Keefe (the caddy from “Caddyshack”).
The film was a total bomb but I enjoyed it. It’s a good Saturday afternoon movie.
I remember that show! I loved it.
The second takeaway I have is that while Hammer looks pretty great here, Depp looks like, well, a certain pirate he’s come to be known for playing. ——– I thought the same thing last night when I looked at it.
It would make since though. I’ve heard this movie is 200 million plus when it comes to budget.
That was the projected budget before Disney got scared over Cowboys & Aliens‘ poor box office take. Since then the budget’s been scaled back to roughly $70 million, though that could also be off and probably won’t take into account how much they put into marketing.
I guess they got smart. I know marketing will add a lot to it.
It very well could, since the studio almost certainly will be peppering every form of media with advertisements pushing Depp’s involvement in the film.
Hammer looks good, though more menacing than Clayton Moore was (and is that a noose instead of a kerchief?)
Depp… is pissing me off in the way that I expected when they cast him and when he claimed to be part Cherokee (which he very probably isn’t.)
Depp’s at a point in his career where he can do just about anything and make money, but he hasn’t done anything legitimately good in ages. I don’t even think he needs to. Which is a shame because he is talented, and yet fate has led him to a place where he can kind of just coast.