This is one of the most disappointing pieces of news we've reported in a long time. Brad Pitt has decided to pull out of filming State of Play, the movie that would have reunited him with Fight Club co-star Edward Norton.
Pitt chose to leave the project after two weeks of meetings with the director, Kevin Macdonald, which meant the film missed its original start date of November 15. No specific reason has been given for Pitt's departure, but Universal said in a statement: "Brad Pitt has left the Universal Pictures production of 'State of Play.' We remain committed to this project and to the filmmakers, cast members, crew and others who are also involved in making the movie. We reserve all rights in this matter."
The film now has to find someone to take Pitt's place by November 29, otherwise it will risk losing more of its stellar cast. Those signed for the screen version of a British mini-series about a politician-turned-journalist (previously Pitt), who investigates a murder that implicates a rising politician, and his former employer (Norton), include Helen Mirren, Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams and Robin Wright Penn.
With many actors with dance cards already full due to the current writers strike and impending actors strike, who could take Pitt's role and keep this potentially fantastic project on track? If he were a bit older we'd say Ryan Gosling, since he's not keeping busy on The Lovely Bones anymore. Or maybe Christian Bale if he hadn't (allegedly) signed for Terminator 4. Is Mark Ruffalo busy? Can somebody get Eric Bana on the phone?