Is Johnny Depp turning into Disney's Mickey Mouse?

Johnny Depp is becoming more of a Disney mascot than Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck.

News this week is that Depp has signed on for three more Disney pics.

He's agreed to walk the plank again as Captain Jack Sparrow in a fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean."

And Hi-O-Silver, away! Depp will also don a headband and feathers (maybe) to play side-kick Tonto in a big screen adaptation of "The Lone Ranger."

Both films will be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Oh, and he's booked to star as the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's version of "Alice in Wonderland." But we already suspected that when Johnny Depp was reported to be looking at property outside of London, where the children's fantasy film will shoot.

Burton's twisted take on the Lewis Carroll classic is skedded for release in 2010, and will be filmed using 3-D and performance capture technology similar to that used for "Beowulf."

Which means Depp will be wearing one of those pajama-like suits worn by Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins and John Malkovich in "Beowulf."

No wonder Disney wants Depp. He singlehandly helped Disney earn a $2.6 billion at the box office with the "Pirates" franchise, also produced by Bruckheimer.

Depp's casting deals disclosure closed yesterday's press day Wednesday at the Kodak Theater, where Walt Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook announced the Mouse House's upcoming slate to exhibitors, media and other industry insiders.

Photo: Johnny Depp aligns himself with the Mouse House for the next three films. Credit: WireImage