It sounds too good to be true, at least at this moment in time. Multiple reports say Johnny Depp will play The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's upcoming Alice in Wonderland. That is, naturally, perfect casting, and Burton and Depp have a tremendous history together. But doesn't it almost sound, I dunno, too perfect?

We learned late last week that Australian actress Mia Wasikowska will play Alice, and at the time I said it was smart to cast a relative unknown for the title role and leave the showy characters in the story to the showy actors. Very few thespians chew more scenery than Depp, especially when Burton is pulling the strings. I mean that in the most complimentary way, for the record. And I have absolutely no problem with the casting, but I guess because it feels like a knee-jerk reaction to pair them together, especially with this role, I don't want to believe it 100%.

Near as I can tell, this unconfirmed casting comes to us from British tabloid The Sun. You'll find it on their webpage next to upskirt shots of Katie Price and the latest nightclub rumors about Bob Geldof's daughter, whom they all call "The Boomtown Brat," a reference to her dad's old band.

According to "a source," Burton "held out on doing Alice until he got a big enough budget. Now this film is financed by Disney so money won’t be a problem.” Of course, it doesn't take much of a source to inform you that Disney has lots of money, so it's hard to really gauge the veracity of this story, even though Depp is a perfect candidate.

There were a few rumors about casting Alice, as well, and then Burton took that role in a completely different direction. So while this news makes sense, I wouldn't be surprised to learn it's just wishful thinking and Burton ultimately casts the late Paul Lynde or something. Incidentally, Paul Lynde would be restaurant quality in that role, too.

Johnny Depp is becoming the new face of Walt Disney Studios. The actor will preside over the manic tea party in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" as the Mad Hatter and will play Tonto in "The Lone Ranger," whose latest screen incarnation is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Disney formally announced the casting Wednesday at a studio presentation. It also said it is officially in development on a fourth installment of "Pirates of the Carribean," which would see Depp reprise his popular role of Captain Jack.

On the "Alice" front, Depp and Burton -- who first worked together in 1990's "Edward Scissorhands" and most recently collaborated on "Sweeney Todd" -- have formed one of the longest-running director-actor partnerships in modern Hollywood. When Burton committed to filming a new live-action/CG-animated version of "Alice," Depp was touted as the most likely candidate to play the Mad Hatter -- after all, having worked with Burton on "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," he's practiced in wearing a top hat.


Mia Wasikowska, the young Australian actress who appeared in HBO's "In Treatment," has the film's title role.

Matt Lucas, who stars in the sketch comedy series "Little Britain USA," which debuts on HBO Sunday, is set to play the dual roles of Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

"Ranger," meanwhile, puts Depp back in business with Bruckheimer, who produced the "Pirates" movies. Tonto is the Native American colleague of cowboy hero the Lone Ranger. The casting could stir up controversy with Native American groups, who might accuse the studio of putting a white actor in the role. One factor that could counter such an argument is Depp's mixed ancestry, which includes German, Irish, and Cherokee.

"Ranger" is being written by "Pirates" scribes Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio and has no director at this time.

Johnny Depp is becoming the new face of Walt Disney Studios.
Great. I can´t stand him. He´s one of those love me-hate me actors. Same with Tim Burton. Yukk! I guess Walt Disney needs the money.
On a side note, last night I saw "Knockaround guys". Crappy teen stuff, but man, John Malkovich is one helluvan actor. I think I´m gonna watch "The Killing Fields" or maybe "Dangerous Liasons" today.

Of course he's the natural choice...but I am starting to feel like Depp is getting typecast in these quirky Burton-made, top hat wearing roles. Isn't it almost the same character as Sparrow, Willy Wonka, Fear and Loathing, etc? I'd like to see him play something more seriously sinister (like Heath's role in Batman?). Sweeney Todd was a frickin' pantomime.

Danny, step in and put me straight now! :D

In Tim Burton's upcoming Alice in Wonderland.


Sweet god, how many movies are they going to let this guy ruin?!

Yeah, after Willy Wonka, I'm surprised that Tim isn't casting Depp as Alice.