Superstar actor Johnny Depp has signed on to three new Disney projects, including the fourth installment of the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, the entertainment industry newspaper Variety confirmed Thursday. Along with the reprisal of off-beat pirate Captain Jack Sparrow, Depp will star as the long-suffering Native American sidekick Tonto in a new version of the iconic “Lone Ranger,” produced by hit producer Jerry Bruckheimer.If this wasn’t enough for the 45-year-old actor, Depp will also play the Mad Hatter in director Tim Burton’s adaptation of the classic “Alice in Wonderland,” using a mix of 3D animation and performance capture technology similar to that used for 2007′s “Beowulf.”The announcements for “Ranger,” “Wonderland” and “an additional role” were made before a crowd of roaring fans in Hollywood Wednesday when Depp appeared at the Walt Disney Showcase, a preview of the studio’s productions over the next few years.The “Pirates 4″ confirmation arrived early Thursday through the actor’s representatives in Variety.The franchise has been a worldwide phenomenon since the first installment in 2003, earning more than 2.6 billion dollars at the box office.Fans are rejoicing the actor’s reunion with director Burton, who has created the milestone projects of Depp’s career, including his breakout role in the 1990 blockbuster “Edward Scissorhands,” and 2005′s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”Like many of Depp’s roles, the new Disney projects seek to attract as many adult viewers as they do younger fans.No premiere dates for any of the projects have been announced. [Source]

Johnny Depp will play the sidekick role of Tonto in The Lone Ranger and the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland, it was announced today at the conclusion of The Walt Disney Studios Showcase in Hollywood. Depp himself made the announcement, emerging onto the Kodak Theater stage in full Capt. Jack Sparrow regalia, as the USC marching band played the Lone Ranger theme. He then engaged in a bit of Jack Sparrow shtick with studio chairman Dick Cook, confirming he’ll star in Jerry Bruckheimer’s production of The Lone Ranger and — as EW.com reported in August — the Mad Hatter in director Tim Burton’s planned movie adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. Mysteriously, Cook also hinted at a “third” role for Depp, perhaps a nod to a possible fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Look for more on the Disney event tomorrow on PopWatch. [Source]

Johnny Depp will star in a fourth ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie.The actor

The Curse of the Black PearlI don’t think expectations were extremely high for the Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Although it may have been anticipated in the same manner many are excited about a blockbuster film until two weeks later when the next is released. Somehow it didn’t seem probable that a film based on an amusement park ride could be spectacular, even if Gore Verbinski was attached to direct and Johnny Depp to star. Many, myself included, expected very little. I was surprisingly pleased, although less with Verbinski and more with Depp. Johnny Depp began his career as something of a Teen Beat heartthrob, due to his success of 21 Jump Street. Desperately trying to get out from under the pigeonhole of the attractive young male, Depp began his famously bizarre career with John Waters, Tim Burton, and Terry Gilliam. Shaving his head, wearing scars across his face and choosing the unique and interesting characters prevented Depp from becoming too much of a star while keeping him known. Depp didn’t have the career that Tom Cruise had, and his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in this first Pirates film was untraditional in a way that fit with his charm. Simply put, Depp carried the first Pirates film when the director overindulged and Orlando Bloom overacted.

Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski and star Johnny Depp have announced they will re-team for a computer animated film for Paramount. Based on an original idea by Verbinski, Rango is scripted by John Logan (The Aviator). All we know so far about the plot is that Depp will play the “oddly charismatic” title character, “a household pet that goes on an adventure to discover its true self.” Notice how both the gender and species of Depp’s character are being concealed.“We are creating something that will resonate with a broad audience and stick in the minds of kids all across the globe,” says Verbinski. “The characters and circumstances are feeling buoyant and rich in humor and attitude, yet with a surprising emotional depth.”