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Wednesday, Jul 25, 2012 7:19 AM UTC

New Tonto, familiar feelings for Native Americans

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Topics: From the Wires,

New Tonto, familiar feelings for Native AmericansAn undated publicity photo from Disney/Bruckheimer Films, shows actors, Johnny Depp, left, as Tonto, a spirit warrior on a personal quest, who joins forces in a fight for justice with Armie Hammer, as John Reid, a lawman who has become a masked avenger. In New Mexico, where some of the movie was filmed, the Navajo presented Depp, his co-star Hammer, director Gore Verbinski and producer Bruckheimer with Pendleton blankets to welcome them to their land. Elsewhere, the Comanche people of Oklahoma made Depp, an honorary member. The film releases summer 2013. (AP Photo/Disney/Bruckheimer Films, Peter Mountain)(Credit: AP)

SEATTLE (AP) — To most people, the upcoming “Lone Ranger” movie is just a Disney blockbuster featuring action, adventure and Johnny Depp looking over-the-top.

But to Native Americans, it’s personal.

The making of the movie, and the announcement that Depp portrays sidekick Tonto, have reawakened feelings about a character that has drawn criticism for being Hollywood creation that spread stereotypes.

The film is in production, but Indian Country has been abuzz for months, with some welcoming a fresh take on old characters. Parts were filmed on the Navajo Nation with tribal support, and an Oklahoma tribe recently made Depp an honorary member.

For others, the film represents a sore spot — one that goes back to the 1950s television version of Tonto, who spoke pidgin, wore buckskin and lacked any real cultural traits.

More Manuel Valdes.

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