Disney is trying to revive the shuttered production of The Lone Ranger, which it shut down in August (see “Disney Torpedoes ‘The Lone Ranger’”), according to Hollywood Reporter. The production, with Johnny Depp starring, Gore Verbinski directing, and Jerry Bruckheimer producing, was shut down over budget concerns; Disney reportedly wanted to cut the budget from $250 million to $200 million but were unable to do so.
The revived production would reportedly have a $215 million budget, with the reductions coming from reduced fees for Depp, Bruckheimer, and Verbinski; the cutting of some expensive scenes; and asking vendors, including special effects houses and hotels, to cut prices to keep the production alive.
The production was originally scheduled for a holiday 2012 release date.