Lone Ranger movie dogged with more problems

The budget on Johnny Depp’s upcoming big screen version of ‘The Lone Ranger’ is reportedly spiralling out of control.

The movie, which stars Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger, was almost shelved last year because of concerns over the initial budget of $250m (£161m), however, shooting began at the end of February with a revised cost of $215m (£139m).

[Related story: Depp still paid after movie stops production]
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But just months into the project it’s claimed that the budget is already heading towards the original figure with some even suggesting it’s beyond that and ‘out of control’.

A Disney spokesperson has quickly moved to scotch claims that the budget has reached this high point, but sources say a rewrite is underway and director Gore Verbinski is being asked to cut scenes.

Matters have been made worse by weather disruptions, that have pushed shooting back and damaged costly sets.

Insiders are now wondering whether producer Jerry Bruckheimer can help Verbinski and Depp pull ‘The Lone Ranger’ movie back on track, or if Disney has a disaster on its hands?