Should Johnny Depp Play Tonto?

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Johnny Depp April 2011

HOLLYWOOD - Just over a week ago, Walt Disney Studios has pulled the plug on the big-screen adaptation of "The Lone Ranger." Johnny Depp had been cast to be the Lone Ranger's sidekick Tonto.

Reportedly, Depp and others close to project feel it is too important to let go. They are attempting to secure financing to continue the project without the help of Walt Disney Studios. The current budget is $250 million.

Adam Beach - Ottawa

In an article dated today, even "Forbes" is weighing in with an article called, "Five Reasons Why Disney Needs to Make This 'Lone Ranger' Movie."

Depp thinks things will work out for financing - with or without Walt Disney Studios. Even though he is unsure of his Native heritage, Depp is bent on playing Tonto told "Entertainment Weekly" last fall:

Chaske Spencer - Assiniboine

"I guess I have some Native American somewhere down the line. My great grandmother was quite a bit of Native American, she grew up Cherokee or maybe Creek Indian. Makes sense in terms of coming from Kentucky, which is rife with Cherokee and Creek."

Depp wants to bring a new dimension to the character Tonto.

The Native News Network wants to know if Depp should play Tonto. Or, should Adam Beach, Ottawa, or Chaske Spencer, Assiniboine, who are recognized Native actors, be better suited to play Tonto?

posted August 20, 2011 6:00 pm edt

adam beach 
I love Johnny Depp however; i would like a First Nation person to play Tonto. So, of course my pick is Adam Beach since I do not know Chaske Spencer. I ...

Ginger Alvitre 
I think that Adam Beach should play Tonto, if he wants the part.

ReiGN  Not rated yet
This is a tough one, but I think that it would be very important for a "real" Indian to play Tonto. I just have my doubts because as I sit here I think ...

tria koihomma  Not rated yet
i think that a seasoned actor such as michael grey eyes,or eddie grant

Tonto  Not rated yet
I believe a Native American should play the part. Last I heard Johnny Depp didn't even like America. He's raising his children in Great Britain?
Adam ...

Three Ravens Woman  Not rated yet
well I am mixed blood so of course I will agree to Johnny playing Tonto.. but having a recognized native actor like Adam Beach or Chaske Spencer would ...

Depp would be a Good Choice  Not rated yet
I think Depp would be a good choice. He will create the draw and usually does great adapting to the true nature of the character

Do you really need to ask?  Not rated yet
Please, let the days of others playing the parts of Native Americans finally be over. I want to see the real deal, because the real deal TOTALLY ROCKS!...

lillylark  Not rated yet
if Johnny Depp can prove his Indian heritage I vote for J.Depp.

Otherwise Chaske Spencer.

i am voting for Johnny  Not rated yet
I love Johhny Depp

Who should play Tonto in the new adaptation of "The Lone Ranger"  Not rated yet
I think Adam Beach should play the Tonto in the new adaptation of "The Lone Ranger".

Charlie Hendrickson   Not rated yet
I think that Chaske Spencer should play the role as Tonto