Johnny Depp is close to finalizing a deal to return as The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland 2, following his latest movie The Lone Ranger underperforming at the box office.

We reported in May that James Bobin (The Muppets, Muppets Most Wanted) is directing from a screenplay by Alice in Wonderland writer Linda Woolverton. That report also indicated that the working title is Through the Looking Glass, but an official title has not been confirmed at this time. Alice in Wonderland broke the $1 billion barrier at the box office during its theatrical run in 2010.

It isn't known when production may begin. Mia Wasikowska will likely return as Alice, but it is not known if other Alice in Wonderland stars such as Helena Bonham Carter or Anne Hathaway are returning or not.

Johnny Depp is currently shooting Transcendence for director Wally Pfister. The actor also signed on for Into the Woods in April, and, earlier this week, we reported he is in talks to star in Mortdecai.