The Evolution of The Lone Ranger

Posted 10 years ago by myetvmedia

The Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer is set to ride into theatres July 3rd. The trailer looks highly entertaining but the story behind getting the movie The Lone Ranger to the screen has come with some challenges. After the dual failures of Universal’s Cowboys and Aliens and Warner Bros. Jonah Hex, Disney was reluctant to try a Weird West movie. The production has been plagued by budgetary constraints, accusations of racist casting and a death on the set.

The story of The Lone Ranger begins with a radio show in 1933. The Ranger and Tonto quickly moved into books, comics, a long running TV show (1949-1957), five movies, a failed pilot, and a video game. Now The Lone Ranger is set on conquering the modern world, with Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean, Rango) directing Armie Hammer as the Ranger (The Social Network) and Johnny Depp as Tonto. Like the under appreciated Green Hornet, it appears the creators are trying to toe the line between Nolan’s grim super heroics and more lighthearted fare. While Hornet ultimately came down on the more lighthearted side, trailers seem to indicate that The Lone Ranger is firmly planted on the darker side. It looks good. But it doesn’t come without problems.

In a franchise long plagued with allegations of racism, this movie took the decision to cast Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in war paint. He has gotten approval from Native communities, and was even adopted into the Comanche nation. He clearly means well, and it has apparently tested positively with Natives at pre-screenings, but it’s still a little weird to have actual Natives like Chris Eyre describe it as a chance to change media portrayals of Natives, but we will have to wait and see. At the same time, who can name a Native actor that has the star power of Johnny Depp?

Back in the fifties, Tonto’s own comic series ran for 31 issues. In contrast, Silver, the Ranger’s horse, had a comic that ran for 34. Maybe times are changing. Maybe.

Donal O’connor

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