Robert Downey, Jr. has reportedly backed out of the upcoming Disney film “Oz, the Great and Powerful.”  Seems his balloon won’t be landing in the Merry Old Land, after all.
The film, which is reported to be a prequel of sorts to the much-loved “Wizard of Oz,” will follow the wizard as a young performer, forced to leave the circus he’s traveling with, when his balloon is swept away by a tornado and…well, you get the point.  Sam Raimi is on board to direct the fantasy film.
The studio is in discussions …

After a long period of negotiation, Variety confirms that director Gore Verbinski has been signed on to direct Disney’s upcoming feature, “The Lone Ranger.”
The film, still in early development, reunites Disney, Verbinski, Jerry Bruckheimer as producer, and Johnny Depp in the role of Tonto. Verbinski, Bruckheimer, and Depp created magic in the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films, one of the most successful film franchises ever.
No word on who will play the title role, when the film is scheduled for release, or when production will begin.
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