Johnny Depp's 'Lone Ranger' axes director Gore Verbinski?

The Lone Ranger could go ahead without Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski.

The big-screen adaptation of the Western was shut down earlier this month over concerns about its $250m (£152m) budget.

However, Disney executive Rich Ross has given an update on the project, omitting the name of director Verbinski when saying that the studio wants the film to happen.

Ross told Deadline: "I'm hoping to do it. I'm certainly hoping. I think it's a compelling story and no-one wants to work with producer Jerry [Bruckheimer] and Johnny [Depp] more than me so we'll see how it works."

Verbinski has collaborated with Depp on four films including the first three in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and Rango.

Depp and the director have been attempting to meet Disney's budget demands by reducing their upfront fees for The Lone Ranger.

However, Disney has reportedly said that the expenses of the film need to fall to $220m (£134m) before it will support it.

The project has been in development since 2008, with recent progress made on casting key roles.

Helena Bonham Carter and The Social Network's Armie Hammer had been confirmed for the adaptation, which was intended to reinvent Tonto, played by Depp, as a subversive sidekick.

Watch the Rango trailer below: