Armie Hammer recently shared an unusual story about working alongside Johnny Depp while promoting their 2013 film, The Lone Ranger. During an episode of his Armie HammerTime podcast, Hammer revealed he got Depp stoned before a press junket, a moment that led to their separation during subsequent publicity events. This revelation highlights the unpredictable dynamics behind the scenes during the film’s promotion.
Details on the Incident and Its Consequences
At that time, Hammer admitted he was smoking
“upwards of 15 to 20 joints a day,”
and confessed to his habit of sharing marijuana with colleagues. He said,
“They never let me hang out with Johnny on the press after that,”
adding,
“They would always keep us apart. They never let us do press together. They were like, ‘You two cannot hang out anymore.’”
This response shows how Hammer’s behavior affected their professional interactions during the publicity tour.
The Lone Ranger’s Impact and Hammer’s Past Struggles
In the film, Hammer portrayed the main hero while Depp played the character Tonto. Despite the star power, the movie was a major financial disappointment for Disney, reportedly losing between $160 and $190 million. Hammer openly spoke about his fondness for marijuana, saying,
“I loved smoking marijuana with people to the point where, like, they were like, ‘I’m so stoned I can’t find my feet,’”
illustrating the extent of his use during that period.
Hammer’s Sobriety and Legal Challenges
Hammer has since focused on sobriety after addressing his addictions to drugs, alcohol, and sex, describing his approach as behavioral sobriety in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter. His career experienced a sharp decline following serious allegations of cannibalism, abuse, and sexual assault in 2021, which he denied. However, he admitted to being
“selfish, and inconsiderate, and an a–hole,”
reflecting on his past behavior. In 2023, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office chose not to file charges regarding accusations from an ex-partner.
The Story’s Broader Implications
This glimpse into Hammer and Depp’s dynamic during The Lone Ranger press tour underscores the volatility that can arise when off-screen behavior impacts professional relationships. Hammer’s candidness about his marijuana use and subsequent personal troubles adds to the complex narrative surrounding both actors. Fans and industry watchers may anticipate how Hammer’s pursuit of sobriety will influence his future endeavors in Hollywood.
