THE LONE RANGER To Saddle Up In Early 2012

Despite budget issues that brought the production to a halt this summer, Disney is ready to go ahead with THE LONE RANGER in early 2012 following major cuts to its budget, Deadline reports.

Stars Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and director Gore Verbinski remain part of the film, which will operate on a budget of $125 million (compared to the $250 million that had Disney shaking in its boots in August). The production budget was trimmed in the negotiating process, and Depp, Verbinski, and Bruckheimer's deals were reworked in order to further bring down the costs.

The studio is expected to make an official announcement concerning the relaunch of the production next week.