Los Angeles - Ryan Gosling has been linked to The Lone Ranger movie.
The Blue Valentine actor has been tipped to play the lead role in the film version of the TV series, about the exploits of a masked Texas Ranger and his Native American sidekick Tonto, in the American old west.
According to Empireonline.com, Ryan's interest in the role has partly been spurred by Johnny Depp's involvement in the project, as he has been linked to the part of Tonto for the film. Depp had previously said he thought Brad Pitt or George Clooney "would be great" for the role.
Jerry Bruckheimer
The Lone Ranger began as a radio show before moving to the TV in the 40s and 50s. The new version will be made by Disney and is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, while Gore Verbinski is to direct the project.
Justin Haythe - who was responsible for the Revolutionary Road script - is working on the screenplay.
Ryan's relationship with Disney goes back to his childhood when he was a member of kids' show the Mickey Mouse Club, although he says he found it "depressing" as he thought he wasn't as talented as his fellow 'Mouseketeers' - which have included Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake.
Depressing
He said: "I remember it being depressing because I realised very early, around the age of 12, that I wasn't some kind of child prodigy like the rest of them were."
Ryan, 30, did acknowledge, however, his experience on the show helped inspire him to work hard and pursue his acting career.
He added: "That said, I was inspired by being around people that were fulfilling their destiny in some way. I didn't think it was my destiny, but it did encourage me to go and find out what that was. Which I think I have."