Johnny Depp has long been associated with larger-than-life characters on the silver screen, from Captain Jack Sparrow to Edward Scissorhands. However, his role in the 2013 action-adventure film The Lone Ranger revealed a different facet of his commitment to his craft and the film industry as a whole. In a surprising move, Depp opted to take a significant salary cut for his involvement in the project, making a statement about his dedication to storytelling over personal gain.
Directed by Gore Verbinski, who previously collaborated with Depp on the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, The Lone Ranger aimed to bring new life to the iconic characters of the Old West. Depp assumed the role of Tonto, the enigmatic Native American companion to the titular character, portrayed by Armie Hammer.
But why did Johnny Depp have to accept a pay cut?
At the time of casting, Johnny Depp’s reputation as a box office draw was firmly established, and his involvement in a project often translated into substantial paychecks. However, his decision to take a salary cut for The Lone Ranger was an unexpected turn of events. Reports suggest that Johnny Depp voluntarily took a salary reduction of approximately $20 million for his role in the project.
With a proposed budget of $250 million, Disney almost pulled the plug on the movie. Hence, Depp’s decision was rooted in his desire to support the film’s production, which was facing financial challenges due to its ambitious scope and scale. Depp’s willingness to forgo a significant portion of his fee demonstrated his dedication to bringing the project to life, even if it meant making personal sacrifices.
Although The Lone Ranger itself may have faced mixed critical reception and struggled to meet box office expectations, Depp’s willingness to take a salary cut for the project still remains a noteworthy chapter in his career. As per reports, the Transcendence actor still bagged around $10 million from the movie.
Johnny Depp opened up on his decision to let go of a part of his pay
The Lone Ranger registered a collection of $260 million worldwide. And this cost The Walt Disney Co. a staggering $190 million in losses. However, before the release of the movie, Depp shared his expectation about the project and its characters. He said,
“I like the character. I think I have interesting plans for the character, and I think the film itself could be entertaining and very funny. But also I like the idea of having the opportunity to make fun of the idea of the Indian as a sidekick—which has always been [the case] throughout the history of Hollywood.”
Furthermore, Depp opened up about how his love for the character was the primary reason behind his decision to take a pay cut. He explained,
“We knew that the budget was going to be huge initially, and we also knew that it was going to be shut down for a while, and it was kind of like we patiently wait—we shave a little bit here, we do a little bit there, [and] they fix it.”
In the ever-evolving and extremely competitive landscape of Hollywood, where financial negotiations often dominate headlines, Johnny Depp’s decision to take a step back from his usual compensation remains a commendable testament to his passion for his craft and his commitment to the art of filmmaking. Even though the movie did not meet expectations, it definitely served as an example of Depps’ professional integrity and dedication.
Source: Collider
