Johnny Depp stars in Alice in Wonderland (2010). Photo: IC

Johnny Depp will once again play the Mad Hatter in the sequel to Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, reports deadline.com.

Depp, who just turned 50, will reprise his role for the follow-up to the 2010 success, this time directed by James Bobin.

Tim Burton's version of the fairy tale has scored $334 million in worldwide sales thus far, according to Box Office Mojo.

The announcement follows performances by the actor in Dark Shadows and high-budget western The Lone Ranger, both of which received less-than-stellar reviews.

The Hollywood star is currently shooting the sci-fi movie Transcendence directed by Wally Pfister whose credits include being Christopher Nolan's cinematographer. Depp will then be on the set of Into the Woods before Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean 5.

Disney's 2010 adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic also starred Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter.

Tentatively titled Into the Looking Glass, the sequel would continue Alice's adventures with Mia Wasikowskia reprising the title role and Linda Woolverton returning to write the film.

It's not yet known whether Depp's other co-stars will reprise their roles in the film.

AFP - Agencies