One of the reasons that Johnny Depp took the role of Tonto in The Lone Ranger was to change the way the character was portrayed and remove some of the ugly stereotypes from the film. Well, The Comanche Nation apparently appreciates the gesture, and in return, the Indian tribe has decided to adopt Depp as one of their own.
LaDonna Harris, a Comanche Indian and president of american for Indian Opportunity, said:
“Johnny is reprising the historic role of Tonto, and it seemed like a natural fit to officially welcome him into our Comanche family… I reached out, and Johnny was very receptive to the idea. He seemed proud to receive the invitation, and we were honored that he so enthusiastically agreed.”
Harris said that Depp was adopted into the tribe with a traditional ceremony.
Harris said:
“Welcoming Johnny into the family in the traditional way was so fitting… He’s a very thoughtful human being, and throughout his life and career, he has exhibited traits that are aligned with the values and worldview that Indigenous peoples share.”
When Depp decided to take on the role of Tonto, he said he wanted to reinvent the character and get rid of some of the ugly stereotypes.
Depp said :
“I remember watching (the TV series) as a kid .?.?. and going: ‘Why is the [expletive] is the Lone Ranger telling Tonto what to do? … When the idea came up (Tonto to be the central character for the movie) I started thinking about Tonto and what could be done in my own small way to try — eliminate isn’t possible — but reinvent the relationship, to attempt to take some of the ugliness thrown on the Native Americans, not only in ‘The Lone Ranger,’ but the way Indians were treated throughout history of cinema, and turn it on its head.”
“The Lone Ranger” will hit theaters next May.
