Disney's 'Lone Ranger' gets release date

Walt Disney has set a date for Gore Verbinski's "The Lone Ranger": Dec. 21, 2012. The film follows a Texas ranger who after being saved by Commanche Tonto, takes on the masked identity of Lone Ranger. Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer star.

Justin Haythe wrote the "Ranger" script, and Jerry Bruckheimer is producing, naturally. In terms of the release date, "The Lone Ranger" now battles Ang Lee's "Life of Pi." Also, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" opens December 14. (via Deadline)

Bruckheimer chats ‘Pirates 4,’ ‘Lone Ranger’

Last month, Walt Disney announced a whole bunch of new projects the studio is gearing up to develop, including “Pirates of the Caribbean 4,” “National Treasure 3” and “The Lone Ranger.”

Over the past few weeks we’ve heard quite a bit of rumors about these projects, but now it’s time to get some info from a more legitimate source: producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

As reported by Coming Soon and other online sites, Bruckheimer recently said that writers are currently working on the scripts for a fourth “Pirates” movie and a third “Treasure.”

"We've sat with the writers and we're working up the story and plotlines right now,” he said.

He added that the script for “The Lone Ranger” is almost done. As far as the casting for that film is concerned, Bruckheimer said he’s not ready to talk about casting quite yet.

Bruckheimer also said he would like to see the new “Pirates” flick open in 2012, and preferably in IMAX. Stay tuned for more information on those movies in the near feature.

Captain Jack will be back for fourth ‘Pirates’

It’s been quite a day for Disney. Besides announcing that “Cars 2” will hit theaters in 2011 and Johnny Depp will play the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” the studio also revealed new information about several other upcoming films.

As Variety reports, Depp has also agreed to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow for a fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” flick. That’s all the information we have about that project at this stage.

Additionally, Depp will play Tonto in the adaptation of “The Lone Ranger.” Wow, looks like he's going to be really busy working on this close relationship with Disney.

Unfortunately, Jerry Bruckheimer and Nicholas Cage also announced a third “National Treasure” flick. I really don’t think making a fourth “Pirates” is a good idea, but another “Treasure”? Why doesn’t anyone come up with something new and original anymore?

Despite the sequel mania at today’s presentation, the fact that Depp boarded “Alice in Wonderland” is good news indeed. What do you guys think about all these announcements? Are you loving it? Or are you sick of Disney?