State of Play, the movie adaptation of the BBC drama about a politician involved in a murder and the journalist investigating him, has lost another of its stars. Following the departure of Brad Pitt several weeks ago, Edward Norton has now withdrawn his services.
But it would be unfair to start calling this movie troubled. While Pitt left the project over creative differences, Norton's reasons for jumping ship are said to be down to timing. When Pitt chose to leave and the film's casting agents had to start courting Russell Crowe to replace him, it meant that filming was put back. This clashed with Norton's commitment to star in and produce Tim Blake Nelson's Leaves of Grass. So a new actor has been sought.
Variety is reporting that Ben Affleck will be the man to take Norton's vacated politician role. While we were excited to see Pitt and Norton's Fight Club reunion, you can't really turn your nose up at a cast that includes Crowe, Affleck, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn and Jason Bateman.