'Lone Ranger' set for 2013 release

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Disney says it plans to release its American western film "The Lone Ranger" in 2013, after apparently solving budget problems that had shut the production down.

"Johnny Depp, Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski are such a talented combination and we're thrilled to get back to work with them on 'The Lone Ranger,'" a studio representative told EW.com.

The actor, producer and director previously collaborated on Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" blockbusters.

"The Lone Ranger" project was temporarily put on hold while the filmmakers cut the movie's budget from $250 million to $215 million. The confirmed this week work has resumed on the film and a release date of May 31, 2013, has been set EW.com said.

Armie Hammer ("Gossip Girl," "The Social Network") is to play the title role, while Depp portrays his sidekick Tonto.