Besides being offered the part of The Riddler in the forthcoming Dark Knight sequel, quirky thespian Johnny Depp has been asked to lend his talents to Tim Burton’s 3D retelling of Alice in Wonderland.

This is Plymouth reports that the first half of the 2010 film will be live action, up until the inattentive schoolgirl (played by In Treatment’s Mia Wasikowska) shoots down the legendary rabbit hole.

Johnny is said to slip into an oversized cap and bowtie for the role of the Mad Hatter; a zany and aggressive little fellow whom the star will surely do justice.

In September Tim Burton is heading off to Plymouth, England to shoot various scenes for the future flick, and while there he plans to recruit two hundred and fifty locals who will have something to write home about after appearing as extras in the Lewis Carroll fairy tale. Lucky dogs!

The award-winning director must have a soft spot for Mr. Depp, as he has cast the devilishly handsome actor in six of his motion pictures including: Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd and Corpse Bride.

But then again, who could blame him?!

~Carolyn French~