Johnny Depp as Lone Ranger's Tonto: First Pics

The first image of Johnny Depp as Tonto in The Lone Ranger has been released.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer tweeted the image showing Depp in costume as the American Indian sidekick to Armie Hammer's Lone Ranger in the new film directed by Gore Verbinski.

Currently being shot in New Mexico, the film also stars Helena Bonham Carter, Barry Pepper, Ruth Wilson and Tom Wilkinson.

Ordinarily the film would be expected to focus on the titular ranger, but the presence of Depp in the Tonto role suggests he could steal the show. The costumes hint that the film will be darker and less camp than previous efforts.

The Lone Ranger is released on May 13.