Johnny Depp tapped for Doctor Who movie role

Is Johnny Depp Hollywood's new Time Lord?

Internet rumour or Hollywood fact? Either way, the web is buzzing this morning with reports Johnny Depp has signed on the dotted line to play Doctor Who in a big-budget movie.

According to the sci-fi website Tor.com (not on our favourites list on a normal day, we hasten to add), gorgeous Johnny has been 'confirmed' to play the lead in the film, which is being written by Doctor Who creator Russell T Davies.

With a release date slated for 2012, Davies had better have some good ideas up his sleeve. Tor.com reports the story will see Time Lord Johnny 'on a journey through time and space with a crew of volunteers treating humanity's illnesses brought on by invading aliens. He cures the bubonic plague and then goes to Africa to fight Ebola'. Just your average day in the office, then.

Still, not everyone's convinced Johnny's the right man for the job.

On Examiner.com's forums, users are up in arms. 'Johnny Depp is a terrible choice to play the Doctor,' writes one. 'Absolutely terrible. I love Johnny Depp and he's quite a bit more than easy on the eyes, but he is not Doctor material. Not by any means.'

What do you reckon? Can Johnny pull it off, or do you have a better suggestion for the next Doctor Who leading man? Let us know below...