As we’ve said before, it comes as no surprise to us that Hollywood would be clamoring for the West Memphis Three following their release from prison after serving 18 years. There are already plans to make a film based the 2003 book Devil’s Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three starring Reese Witherspoon and (just recently confirmed) Colin Firth. And let’s not forget all of the documentaries being produced, including Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory. But apparently another major Hollywood star is adding his name to a West Memphis Three movie.

According to Deadline, none other than Johnny Depp is developing a West Memphis Three film with his producing partner Christi Dembrowski and their Infinitum Nihil production. Supposedly, the two have already optioned film rights to Damien Echols’ (1/3rd of the WM3) soon-to-be-published book. The still untitled memoir, expected to be published in September 2012, will chronicle his experience on death row and the trial that occurred during that time.

It actually makes sense that Depp would be attached to such a project. In addition to showing support for the three, Depp and Echols actually went to Disneyland and got matching tattoos together following his release from jail. So it’s…wait, WHAT? How did we miss that happening?

It’s unclear as to whether Depp will star in the project or simply produce. Either way, having an enormous name like Depp attached to the film will create larger awareness to the West Memphis Three case, maybe even more so than the film starring Reese Witherspoon.

[via Metal Sucks]