Depp to play Tonto in Disney's 'Ranger'

Johnny Depp is to play the part of Tonto in Disney's version of The Lone Ranger, being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook confirmed that Depp will play the masked hero's Native American sidekick at a Disney presentation in Los Angeles, which was attended by Depp.

The actor, who was recently named Britain's favourite screen star, will also reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the fourth Pirates Of The Caribbean movie.

Cook also confirmed earlier reports that the 45-year-old will star as the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's big screen adaptation of Lewis Carroll's children's novel Alice's Adventures In Wonderland.