So, if Tonto was Captain Jack Sparrow in an earlier life, we can tell Lyle Lovett he already had a boat?

I know that Johnny Depp has made an entire career of this statement but nonetheless I have to say... thats an Odd choice...

Oh, this is just frelling great! In this day and age, with all our modern, evolved sensitivities, we cast a Caucasian in the role of an American Indian character.

WILL YOU PEOPLE PLEASE GET OFF THE RACE THING? AND BY YOU PEOPLE I MEAN IDIOTS WHO JUST AREN'T HAPPY UNLESS THEY'RE WHINING. I DIDN'T HEAR ANYONE COMPLAINING WHEN SOMEONE OTHER THAN A "CAUCASIAN" PLAYED KING PIN IN THE DARE DEVIL MOVIE AND HE DID A GOOD JOB. SO QUIT WHINING I DON'T CARE WHO HAS WHAT COLOR SKIN. IF THEY'RE A GOOD ACTOR, LET 'EM TRY!!!

@Falconer

That's not really true, Johnny Depp is reported to be part Cherokee and part Apache along with Anglo/European ancestry mixed. So to say that they're casting a Caucasian is not entirely true, they're just not casting a full blooded American Indian is all.

Johnny Depp is part native American FYI, why he wanted the role

@ hockeyfan: Wow. Have you discussed these issues with your therapist or clergyman?

This isn't even Depp's first time playing a native American. He was in a little-seen but worthwhile movie called THE BRAVE opposite Marlon Brando.

WOW rfk,
I'm impressed. Did you think of that comeback all by yourself. My point is everyone is so stuck on being sensitive about who says what or who does what. In the end, who cares if someone is racist or not? We're not gonna change their opinion. They have a right to that belief. It's getting more and more pathetic when people are worried about the color of an actors skin in a movie. WHO CARES? If it's a good movie or bad movie doesn't depend on "race" it depends on how well written, acted, and received by fans of that type of movie, but every time I turn around someone is whining about race. Give it a rest! Now I guess that means I'm the one with issues, when I just want people to quit complaining about crap that doesn't really matter. Before too long if some people get their way, certain words will be illegal. P.S. my Captcha has three k's in it. OH NO IT MUST BE RACIST!!!!

Just throwing this out there, but wouldn't Nathan Fillion be a great choice for the Lone Ranger beside Johnny Depp? And I'm not saying that because I'm a Firefly fan.

@ hockeyfan: Yes, I did think of that one all by myself, I'm glad you appreciate it. Note how effectively it got the point across to you without the use of screaming ALLCAPS!!!!!!!!!!!!

You must be one of the very fortunate few if you can so blithely ignore racism and bigotry. Mazel. It certainly is a shame that every time YOU turn around somebody has the temerity to complain about racism; that must be a truly enervating experience for poor you (cuing tiny violins).

As for people caring about the color of a character's or actor's skin, I'll toss your own, inapt, comparison back at you: If the "Kingpin" were originally black, and a Caucasian actor played him in blackface, well, wouldn't that be a sight to set all those whiny people all caterwauling!!

And finally, I don't think anyone accused Depp or the producers of being racists; it was more of a suggestion of insensitivity. You, apparently, are all studied up on the issue of insensitivity, so I'm guessing you can relate.

Thanks, at the very least, though, for not using the ALLCAPS SCREAMING DELIVERY, and actually attempting to make a point, rather than another lovely rant like your last comment.

Cheers, have a nice day, and watch out for all those intolerant non-racists; they can be such a trial to poor folks like you.

Fin.

Looks like I'm the first to say: I think it'll be great to see Johnny Depp as Tonto. I can't wait to find out who will make the cut for Kemosabe. As a fan of the old classic TV series, this is one that I will be excited to see.

Being of First American ancestry, I must say I detest the term Native American, everyone born in the Americas, are native Americans.

The term First Americans is more accurate and less insulting to people who's ancestors were immigrants.

Or please use, First Nations.

My son's mother is "Native American" but her and everyone else on the rez actually prefer the term "Indian" anyways Johnny Depp is actually part if not half Native American and has fought for more rights for native americans and contributed some charities as well

@ hockeyfan: In parallel world where racism doesn't exist, your sentiment is accurate. Unfortunately, in this world it does exist and people do care. Especially, those who still hear the voices of the dead that were murdered because of racism.

Johnny Depp is a great actor & probably pull off any role. I think he'll do well. Nathan Fillion would make an awesome Long Ranger & I think the two actors would be an awesome combo. If they'll make the movie action packed & witty it'll be great.

I would like my son to play the Lone Ranger. He is 29, not too much younger than Johnny and he has been a painter at Disney since he was 12 years old and he put my ex (his Dad thru college w/o going himself.

There's only person who could play the Lone Ranger: Viggo Mortensen.

People, give the race issue a rest, already. No one complained when the role of Grantham in "The Pelican Brief" was played by Denzel Washington, even though the character in the book was white. Denzel did a good job with the role, and it simply DID NOT MATTER, Johnny Depp will no doubt do an excellent job with Tonto (as with all he does), and who cares what his origins are? If it's an issue for some, I submit the opinion that they are the ones with racist sentiments. Sheesh, sit back, relax, and enjoy the movie when it hits.

And RangerFan, you made a good call; Viggo would excel at that role. Let's hope they offer it, and he's available.

I would dearly love to see that wish list of talent who they'd like to see play the Lone Ranger. I am hoping Viggo is available and agreeable when the time comes, because I can imagine he MUST be on that list.
Johnny Depp consistently creates iconic anti-heroes and Tonto will be yet another. I am full of excited anticipation! I still remember the original series. Yes, I'm that old.

GSIZZ that would be cool im picture those two on the same screen together and im laughing as I speek

'Oh, this is just frelling great! In this day and age, with all our modern, evolved sensitivities, we cast a Caucasian in the role of an American Indian character'

Uhhh.... Genius, he IS Native American. He's more than half Native American. Just because Tim Burton does a good job of making him pale doesn't diminish his heritage. You just accidentally insulted a REAL Native American. I think your comment should be removed for pure ignorance.

What about Jack Black as the Lone Ranger, talk about a man perfect for the role. Its just too bad that Chris Farley is dead, he would have been great under the mask.

I think this is a stupid idea. I like Depp but I hate when they remake a show or movie and start changing everything about it, if you don't like the source material then don't remake it. The whole dynamic of the show is that the Lone Ranger is white and Tonto is an American Indian if you change that it's not really the Lone Ranger anymore. Besides if you cast Depp as the sidekick then he's going to overshadow anybody they cast as the Lone Ranger, they might as well call it Tonto and That Guy In The Mask.

As a black guy, I found Robert Downey Jr's role in Tropic Thunder...hilarious. I don't care if Depp has Indian American in him or not. He a great actor (…can't say the same for his politics). This should be a fun movie

I hope Tonto isn't Gay, or the Ranger, as that would equal both of them. Tonto in Spanish means dumb. Bad Lone"racist" Ranger.