In the mad dash to make The Lone Ranger's budget easier to swallow for Disney, a lot of the film's planned supernatural elements had to be removed. Why a film based on the old west gunslinger would even have supernatural aspects is beyond me. Did these guys not see Jonah Hex? Part of what reportedly got cut out of the Ted Elliott/Terry Rossio script when it was re-written by Justin Hayeth was a scene in which the masked vigilante would use his trademark silver bullets to fight off werewolves. Seriously.
A new casting call sheet for the film provides a brief plot synopsis and shows just how the story's been changed in the wake of the budget cuts...
Plot: Left for dead in an ambush with five other Texas Rangers, lawman John Reid (Armie Hammer) survives and is nursed back to health by an Indian scout named Tonto (Johnny Depp). He then dons a mask to avenge the murders of his comrades and to foil evildoers, never accepting payment for his services. His gratis vigilantism is made possible by the silver mine he inherits from his slain brothers - the same mine that affords him his endless supply of trademark silver bullets.
It also states that filming is set to take place in New Mexico from February 13th to July 14th 2012. The Lone Ranger is to be directed by Gore Verbinski(Rango), and stars Johnny Depp as Tonto, Armie Hammer as The Lone Ranger. Tom Wilkinson recently rejoined the film as villain as evil railroad tycoon, Latham Cole. Ruth Wilson, Helena Bonham Carter, Barry Pepper, Dwight Yoakem, and James Badge Dale are expected to make up the rest of the supporting cast. [ActingAudtions]
