Disney have promised to donate revenue from the Lone Ranger premiere to the American Indian College Fund
Disney are set to donate the proceeds of ticket sales from the premiere of Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp movie Lone Ranger to charity.
The studio was criticised for casting Depp as Native American character Tonto by a number of film critics, as well as American Indian institutions such as Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian and Colville Tribes of the Pacific Northwest. And although Depp has promised that "This Tonto isn't the obedient sidekick he has been portrayed as before" there are still concerns circulating over whether he was an appropriate actor for the role.
In an attempt to quell concerns – and as a thank you to the Comanche tribe who assisted production and allowed the crew to film on their land – Disney have promised to donate the profits from all premiere ticket sales to the American Indian College Fund. These are some fairy pricey tickets, too – a seat at the premiere, which will be held at Disney's California Adventure Park, will set back cinema-goers a hefty $1,000.
The casting row isn't the only setback the film has suffered. Production was peppered with financial problems and the project, which is rumoured to have cost £150m, was shut down between shoots in an attempt to cut costs.
Western adventure Lone Ranger tells the story of John Reid and Tonto as they band together to seek justice. The film, which reunites Pirates of the Caribbean duo Gore Verkinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, also stars Helena Bonham Carter, William Fitchner and Ruth Wilson.
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Video The Lone Ranger - New Trailer Official
Your heart is good... The stronghold is there, may we the Indigenous People remember that we have a right to exist forever... Amo—Amen Johnny Blessings from Kumeyaay Territory, San Diego, CA We love you...
The problem was never the actor, (though I am shamed that he accepted such a stereotypical role) the problem is the fact that this role has been rehashed. It is a stereotypical and demeaning character. As someone pointed out before in an article "They’re clearly realizing that this was maybe not the best idea, given . . . all these super defensive comments coming out. I feel like they’re on a damage control tour."
This latest development just feels like a bribe to me.
Read here: http://nativeappropriations.com/2013/04/armie-hammer-talked-to-some-natives.html
I feel all respect for Johnny as he's doing a great job of raising the profile of the native American cause. The damage has been done and it will take a very long time to heal the wounds of the European occupation. Blessings to all. Morgan Dafrog.
I'm from canyon de chelly area where some footage was taken and I think it was exciting that Johnny Depp was in the area filming among other cast members. I admire the fact that Johnny wants to donate ONLY the premier profits to the American Indian College Fund. Thanks Johnny :)
Proud to be a Native American Indian, and proud of JD!!!
Casting Johnny Depp is not the main issue.
It is his portrayal of a Native American which looks like some sort of macabre clown. This is flat out offensive to my heritage and I regret the day I have to explain this to my children.
This is absolutely no difference when Caucasian people put black face makeup on to racially stereotype African Americans.
Disney knows their wrong doings and will now give the Native American College Fund money so they write off their Irresponsibility in portraying Native Americans as the "ethnic other". The intentions might seem good, but lets remember who is the real winner of this deal.
They should donate ALL proceeds!
We must remember that this is a movie,and do we really think that the entertainment industry is based on fact, since when has every ethnic group been portrayed by someone of that ethnicity? I have not made up my mind to see this movie, but I do not think that Johnny Depp set out deliberately to offend Native Americans.
It would be awesome if Johnny would donate to Idle No More,,,just saying Canada and America was one country at one time before the settlers divided it ....My ancestors originate from Rocky Boy Montana....but great news overall!
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