The Lone Ranger Trailer

[megomania]

That's already not a good sign.

The Lone Ranger should get top billing...Johnny Depp should swallow his ego...and let Armie Hammer get the lead.

I bet if it was a real Native-American actor...Hammer would've definitely gotten the lead...lol.

I would imagine it's in Depp's contract to receive top billing regardless of playing the lead or not...it's not unprecedented:

The Firm (1993)

Gene Hackman's contract called for his name to come before the title in all promotional materials. Tom Cruise's contract called for his name, and his name only, to come before the title in all promotional materials. Hackman opted to leave his name off all promotional materials, making his presence a surprise to most audiences. In the film, Hackman's name comes after Cruise's and before the title.

[madmarva]

As others mentioned, LR is a pet project of Depp's. Without him, there's no film or at least not with a $150 million plus budget. The biggest star always gets top or co-lead billing if the role is at all significant. My hope Is that Tonto isn't the whipping boy as he was portrayed in the TV series. Outside of the origin,it seemed his only point was to give LR someone to rescue. I like the fact that a strong actor is playing Tonto. I hope he doesn't overshadow Hammer as LR. If there were a Native America actor with Depp's clout and bankability who wanted the part or even close, I would totally agree with the argument, but since to my knowledge there isn't, I don't begrudge Depp. But to each his own.