In anticipation of the role Johnny Depp will play in a high-profile upcoming project, the actor received an unusual honor, Reuters reports.

Depp, 48, became an honorary member of the Comanche Nation, an honor associated with his upcoming portrayal of Tonto in the feature film "The Lone Ranger."

A private ceremony took place May 16 in Albuquerque, N.M., where Depp was adopted into the nation by LaDonna Harris, the president and founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity.

The cultural adviser on "The Lone Ranger," Harris’ cousin, arranged the meeting. Depp was given a Comanche name, pronounced "Mah Woo May," meaning "shape shifter."

Prior to the adoption, Depp — a Kentucky native — said that he thought his great-grandmother was part Native American, perhaps a Creek or Cherokee.