Golden Globes: ‘Rango’ director Gore Verbinski tries something new

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For “Rango” director Gore Verbinski, the first time was a charm. His first film to venture into the realm of animation garnered a Golden Globe nomination for best animated feature.

“We tried to do something different,” Verbinski said of the film, which tells the tale of a pet chameleon who finds himself with big shoes to fill as the new sheriff in an Old West town. Johnny Depp, a frequent collaborator with Verbinski (“Pirates of the Caribbean 1-3”), voices the title character.

“I have this faith that under all the business of show business, that there’s this kind of sense that people want something new,” Verbinski said. “I believe it’s our job to try to do things a little differently, so [being nominated] kind of reaffirms that in a way.”

Up next for Verbinski is “The Lone Ranger,” a film based on the iconic western hero. Armie Hammer (“The Social Network,” “J. Edgar”) will play the title role with Depp as Tonto, his trusty sidekick.

Regarding the film, Verbinski said, “I feel that it’s been talked about so much, I think it’s time to go make it now. Again, we’re going to try and do something a little different. I think Armie is going to be fantastic and really perfect for the role. I’m trying to do this tonal mismatch — imagine Jimmy Stewart trapped in a Sam Peckinpah movie.”

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— Oliver Gettell