Depp admits deep desire for 'Wonderland'

LOS ANGELES, March 6 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Johnny Depp said he had such a desire to take part in the film version of "Alice in Wonderland," he was prepared to play the film's female lead.

Depp, 46, said it was a "great challenge" to play the role of the Mad Hatter in the newest film from director Tim Burton, known for films such as "Edward Scissorhands" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Parade Magazine reported online Friday.

"To be honest, he could have asked me to play Alice and I would have said yes. I would have done whatever character he wanted. The fact that it was the Mad Hatter was a bonus because it was a great challenge," Depp said.

Depp also spoke with Parade about his connection with Burton, whom he has worked with on seven films ranging from "Scissorhands" to "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street."

"There is some kind of connection, some sort of understanding that Tim and I have that is at most times unspoken," Depp said.