'Pirates' director to film 'Lone Ranger'

Disney has confirmed that Gore Verbinski, who directed the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films, is to direct the film version of the Lone Ranger.

Johnny Depp has already been cast in the role of Tonto, the Ranger's Native American companion. The casting of the Ranger, played by Clayton Moore in the 1950s television series, is unknown, but the involvement of Depp and Verbinski – whose three Pirates films grossed over $2.5bn (£1.6bn) worldwide, could herald a new lease of cinematic life for this American classic.