Disney Infinity Launch Pushed Beyond ‘Monsters University’ … and ‘Lone Ranger’
Earlier this evening, the New York Times broke the news that Disney Infinity will no longer be released in June as previously announced, but has been pushed back to August 18 domestically, with a European release a couple of days later.
The move, according to the article, was one based on market and positioning, suggesting retailers were receptive to the product and offering valuable shelf space for it but wanted it closer to the holiday season.
While the article gives the impression that Disney Interactive feels the move will be better overall for its bottom line (at least come 2014), it also introduces some doubts as well.
For starters, the article focuses on how far Disney Infinity will trail Pixar’s Monsters University, which it was originally going to be released with in tandem. However, there is another title Disney Infinity was set to promote at launch, that being Jerry Bruckheimer’s The Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer. Although not yet officially announced by Disney Interactive, the Lone Ranger is believed to be the promised mysterious second playset available at launch. An image of the first wave of the Disney Infinity power disc package supports that theory, with images of Tonto and the Lone Ranger prominently featured along with the (mostly) known remaining figures at launch.
In short, whereas players would have been introduced to the world of The Lone Ranger a few weeks prior to its theatrical release date of July 3, now Disney Interactive will have to hope that the movie is entertaining enough to its audience that they’ll want to purchase the play set at an additional cost several weeks later.
The shelf date also brings Disney Infinity closer to the launch date of PlayStation 4, which is not known to support the Disney Infinity platform as of yet (more surprise announcements, anyone?) as Sony has already acknowledged that the PS4 won’t be backwards compatible with PS3 titles.
If in fact the push is at the behest of retailers, one thing is clear: Disney is ready to play ball. Although it’s not a traditional outlet for video games for obvious reasons, we are told Disney Store will be carrying Disney Infinity both online and in-store and Disney clearly could’ve easily had the upper hand in the retail battle by simply making it a Disney Store exclusive until the big boys decide to jump in.
Categories: Video Games Tags: Armie Hammer, Disney Infinity, Gaming, Johnny Depp, Lone Ranger, Nintendo, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation, PS3, PS4, The Lone Ranger, Video Games, Wii, Wii U
WATCH: ‘Lone Ranger’ Extended Sneak Peek from Super Bowl XLVII
During the CBS Super Bowl pre-show, Walt Disney Studios shared an extended sneak peek at its upcoming action adventure film, The Lone Ranger.
In addition to the preview, Walt Disney Studios and SUBWAY restaurants launched the ‘Who Will You Ride With on Game Day’Sweepstakes. To enter, follow @LoneRanger on Twitter and answer trivia questions about the sneak peek, using #LONERANGER in the reply. All correct entries will be entered in a blind drawing for a chance to win a prize pack, such as Kawasaki helmets, SUBWAY® gift cards, and more. Each prize pack includes two prizes, one each for ‘You and Your Kemosabe.’ The sweepstakes will end February 4, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. PST. Entries will also be accepted via email to [email protected]
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ The Lone Ranger, a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.
The Lone Ranger also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.
A Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films presentation, The Lone Ranger is directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, with screen story by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Justin Haythe and screenplay by Justin Haythe and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. The Lone Ranger releases in U.S. theaters on July 3, 2013.
Sneak peeks at Oz the Great and Powerful and Marvel’s Iron Man 3 are also expected during the game.
Categories: Movies Tags: Armie Hammer, Contest, Films, Helena Bonham Carter, Jerry Bruckheimer, Johnny Depp, Lone Ranger, Movies, Sweepstakes, The Lone Ranger
‘The Lone Ranger’ New Hi-Res Still: Silver Strikes Tonto
Rule number one: Never take off the mask.
In anticipation of the extended sneak peek at The Lone Ranger airing during the Super Bowl XLVII pre show this Sunday, Walt Disney Studios has provided us with this brand new still featuring Tonto (Johnny Depp) not quite yet grasping the concept of personal space when it comes to the title character’s horse, Silver. Meanwhile, the not-yet-masked John Reid (Armie Hammer) lurks in the background, gun pointed at Tonto.
The image has also been added to the beginning of our gallery of stills from the film below. As always, click on any of the thumbnails below to see a larger version. Clicking on the resize arrow will show the image at its original resolution.
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ The Lone Ranger, a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice — taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.
The Lone Ranger also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter. The Lone Ranger rides into theaters on July 3, 2013.
Categories: Movies Tags: Armie Hammer, Helena Bonham Carter, Jerry Bruckheimer, Johnny Depp, Lone Ranger, Movies, The Lone Ranger
‘The Lone Ranger’ New Poster, Extended Sneak Peek Announcement
Disney announced today that they will be debuting a brand-new :90 sneak peek for the highly anticipated Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films summer blockbuster The Lone Ranger on Sunday, February 3, during the CBS Pregame Show 2:00 PM EST. In conjunction with the release of the new footage, Disney will hold a sweepstakes that offers participants a chance to win prizes provided by SUBWAY® restaurants and Kawasaki.
To participate in The Lone Ranger ‘Who Will You Ride With on Game Day’ Sweepstakes* and get a chance to win prizes for ‘You and Your Kemosabe,’ tune in and follow @LoneRanger on Twitter. For a chance to win, after the sneak peek airs answer trivia questions about the spot correctly and use #LONERANGER in the reply. All correct entries will be entered in a blind drawing for a chance to win a prize pack, such as Kawasaki helmets, SUBWAY® gift cards, and more. Each prize pack includes two prizes, one each for ‘You and Your Kemosabe.’ The sweepstakes will end February 4, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. PST. Entries will also be accepted via email to [email protected]
Starting today, fans can also text RANGER to Disney** (347639) to receive a Tune In reminder to watch The Lone Ranger new footage debut during the CBS Pregame Show and, in addition, receive updates on The Lone Ranger.
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ The Lone Ranger, a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.
The Lone Ranger also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.
A Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films presentation, The Lone Ranger is directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, with screen story by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Justin Haythe and screenplay by Justin Haythe and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. The Lone Ranger releases in U.S. theaters on July 3, 2013.
Categories: Movies Tags: Armie Hammer, Football, Jerry Bruckheimer, Johnny Depp, Lone Ranger, Movies, Super Bowl, The Lone Ranger
‘Muppets 2,’ ‘Maleficent’ and Marvel Films Slated for 2014, Pirates of the Caribbean 5 in 2015
Walt Disney Studios today released an updated schedule of several of its upcoming films, as listed below:
Muppets 2 (rumored to be under the working title of Muppets… Again) is produced by Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman and directed by James Bobin. The screenplay is by Bobin and Nick Stoller, who will also serve as executive producer. The cast includes Ricky Gervais and Ty Burrell – and of course, the whole Muppets gang. In theaters March 21, 2014.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier will pick up where Marvel’s The Avengers leaves off, as Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world. The film stars Chris Evans in the title role and will be directed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo. In theaters April 4, 2014 in 3D.
Maleficent, the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty, reveals the events that hardened Maleficent’s heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora. Maleficent is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, from a screenplay written by Linda Woolverton. The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville. In theaters July 2, 2014 in 3D.
Guardians of the Galaxy, based on the Marvel comic books of the same name, features an unlikely cast of characters who must team up in order to defeat a cosmic force of epic proportions. James Gunn will direct. In theaters August 1, 2014 in 3D.
1952 will be produced by Damon Lindelof and directed by Brad Bird, from a script by Lindelof and Bird. George Clooney will star. In theaters December 19, 2014 in 3D.
Pirates of the Caribbean 5 will be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and will star Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. Jeff Nathanson is writing the screenplay. In theaters July 10, 2015.
Categories: Marvel, Movies Tags: Angelina Jolie, CA2, Captain America, Chris Evans, Guardians of the Galaxy, Jerry Buckheimer, Johnny Depp, Maleficent, Marvel, Movies, Muppets, Pirates of the Caribbean, POTC, POTC5, Ricky Gervais
‘The Lone Ranger’ Prop on Display at Walt Disney World
After a recent refurbishment at its Studio Backlot Tour, guests at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida now have the opportunity to preview a prop from the upcoming action adventure film, The Lone Ranger, from Walt Disney Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer.
The prop featured in the attraction, which takes guests ‘behind the scenes’ the world of filmmaking, appears to be the top portion of a courthouse which has seen better days, bears only a hint of what it once proclaimed: ‘Justice for all.’
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ The Lone Ranger, a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice — taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.
The Lone Ranger also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter and will debut in theaters on July 3, 2013.
Categories: Movies Tags: Armie Hammer, Cinema, Disney World, Films, Jerry Bruckheimer, Johnny Depp, Movie News, Movies, The Lone Ranger, TLR, Walt Disney World, WDW
Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow Full Video, Photos (Spoilers) from Walt Disney World
The brand-new ‘The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow’ Pirates of the Caribbean experience began operating in soft opening mode this morning, allowing the first guests to visit the high-tech show and enter the world of the popular film franchise. The attraction, which will officially open on December 6, 2012, is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in Soundstage 4 (between Toy Story Mania! and the Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream exhibit.
Like its predecessor, the Chronicles of Narnia experiences, the show begins in a pre-show area, in which a talking skull a la the original Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, introduces the show and questions the integrity of those waiting to go inside and join Jack Sparrow’s crew.
For the main show, guests enter a large room which is decorated with various props along the sides and features a large scale model of the Black Pearl which serves as a portion of the show’s projection screen. Using Disney’s high-resolution, projection mapping system such as the one used in ‘The Magic, the Memories and You’ and ‘Celebrate the Magic,’ the now floating skull invites the pirate pledge holding the iron key (chosen prior to the show) to ‘insert it into the treasure chest’ (the child really just holds it up) and the show begins. From here, the audience journeys through each of the films in an immersive show that involves physical and lighting effects in addition to the projections: from a skeleton army to Davy Jones to the Kraken and more, the lifelike projections also appear to literally fly off the screen along the back of the wall to over the Black Pearl and other objects inside the room. Eventually Captain Jack Sparrow himself appears aboard the ship and, after defeating Davy Jones, leads guests through the pirate’s oath in a way that only Jack Sparrow can.
The show is billed as interactive, but it’s really only in the vein of television shows like ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ as guests are encouraged to engage in activities such as yelling out phrases and stomping their feet.
Below is our video of the full experience as well as a brief look at some of the props which include many from the films such as Elizabeth Swann’s corset, the ‘Pirates – Ye be warned’ sign and more, along with many sight gags such as my favorite, the pirate who died by cannonball.
As you can see from the video, the best view may actually be towards the right side of the room as you enter, with the starboard side of the ship still in complete view.
We also have some photos from around and inside the attraction, but bear in mind the show building is very dark and time inside is limited, so the quality isn’t as great as it could be.
WATCH: ‘The Lone Ranger’ Teaser Trailer
Walt Disney Studios has released the first teaser trailer for The Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer, exclusively through Apple’s Trailers site. From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ The Lone Ranger, a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice — taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.
Yesterday, we shared some hi-res stills from the film, which we are sharing once again below in case you missed it:
The Lone Ranger also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter and will debut in theaters on July 3, 2012
Categories: Movies Tags: Cinema, Films, Helena Bonham Carter, Jerry Bruckheimer, Johnny Depp, Lone Ranger, Movie News, Movies, The Lone Ranger, TLR, Tom Wilkinson, Trailers
‘Lone Ranger’ Teaser Poster, Hi-Res Stills
Walt Disney Studios has provided us with the teaser poster and some hi-res stills from its upcoming action-adventure film, The Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer. From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ The Lone Ranger, a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice — taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.
The Lone Ranger also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter and will debut in theaters on July 3, 2012
Categories: Movies Tags: Cinema, Films, Helena Bonham Carter, Jerry Bruckheimer, Johnny Depp, Lone Ranger, Movie News, Movies, The Lone Ranger, TLR, Tom Wilkinson

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