Things are getting really interesting on the Lone Ranger front.

After having a handful of issues with its budget, things appear to be moving forward on the project still. However, at this year’s D23 expo, producer Rich Ross made the web a buzz by instead of mentioning someone, he omitted someone.

Deadline has noted that, in a discussion about the film, the producer stated that “I’m hoping to do it. I’m certainly hoping. I think it’s a compelling story and no one wants to work with Jerry and Johnny more than me, so we’ll see how it works.” Normal statement, right? Not when taking into account the omission of director Gore Verbinski.

Now, while the director has not been confirmed to be still aboard or off of Ranger, this is an interesting bit of news. I would be shocked if this was more than just an omission, but with Verbinski under fire to try and get this film made, he could be fed up. More on this as it comes.

[Source: Deadline]