Filming on the Johnny Depp starrer began February 28 in New Mexico and is expected to wrap at the end of September, for a total of between 140 and 150 shooting days. (The on-set death September 21 of a welder who was preparing an underwater action sequence for the film is not expected to impact the timeline.)

Many who have worked with director Gore Verbinski (the first three Pirates of the Caribbean), whose pursuit of authenticity and scope caused the construction of massive sets and real working trains, say they aren’t surprised by the length. “He likes to shoot and shoot and shoot,” says one insider.

But some delays were beyond Disney’s control: Wind and dust storms damaged the sets, and Johnny reportedly was injured in a fall from a horse.