Johnny Depp has been unveiled as Disney Studios' main man, after film bosses announced plans for a trio of movies all starring the Hollywood actor.

Disney chairman Dick Cook revealed the news during a press conference at Los Angeles' Kodak Theatre on Wednesday, detailing plans for upcoming films that would tie Depp to the studio for the next few years.

Cook confirmed that a fourth sequel to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was in the works, and that he would star as The Mad Hatter in director Tim Burton's forthcoming adaptation of Alice In Wonderland.

And, topping off the list of projects, will be a big screen version of The Lone Ranger, which will see Depp reteam with Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

However, Depp will not take on the lead role of the Lone Ranger himself - he will instead be the hero's sidekick, Tonto.

Isn't this cool??

I just read it elsewhere and got all excited.

For some reason, even tho' I love the Pirate
movies, the news of his playing Tonto, made
be squeal the loudest. They can play him as
a straight man or a comedy relief, but either
way he will steal the show.

The whole deal will be good for Depp's
pocket book, too.