Verbinski using the Social Network to cast new film; Hammer could be Lone Ranger

Armie Hammer, the “Social Network” star that came very close to playing Batman at one stage, is the frontrunner to play The Lone Ranger in director Gore Verbinski’s film adaptation of the old TV series according to Deadline.

Hammer (next in “Snow White”) would join Johnny Depp in the Jerry Bruckheimer directed flick; Depp, of course, plays the Lone Ranger’s trustful sidekick Tonto.

Guess we can expect an official announcement shortly?