Armie Hammer (The Social Network) will star in Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer's adaptation of The Lone Ranger. Variety reports that the actor is in final negotiations to take on the iconic role of "The Lone Ranger" which began as a radio show in the 1930s before being adapted into the massively popular television series in 1949. Hammer will play opposite Johnny Depp who has been attached to the project as the Ranger's trusty sidekick, Tonto, since 2008. Gore Verbinski (Rango) will direct The Lone Ranger from a script by Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road).

Production on the film is expected to begin after Depp wraps Tim Burton's Dark Shadows adaptation which is due out May 11th, 2012. As for Hammer, his stock continues to rise as he has recently locked down the role of the prince alongside Julia Roberts in The Brothers Grimm: Snow White as well as a supporting role in Clint Eastwood's Herbert Hoover biopic, Hoover.