Bad news if you were looking forward to the continuing adventures of Iron Man's dream team - director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr - on graphic novel adaptation Cowboys & Aliens: Downey Jr is no longer attached to the lead.
After flirting with the role for ages, the actor finally signed on for real when Favreau agreed to direct. The LA Times is now reporting that while Favreau is still committed to handle the film, Downey Jr is no longer aboard.
So why the change? No direct reason is given, though the Times speculates that it's either a sign of the Sherlock Holmes sequel being shoved on to the fast track, or simply the star wanting to take a breather after a packed shooting schedule that has included the first Holmes, Iron Man 2 and Todd Phillips' new comedy, Due Date.
DreamWorks and Favreau will have to rustle up a new lead name for Zeke Jackson, a gunslinger who must work with his Apache enemies to battle a horde of invading aliens intent on enslaving humanity.
If the right actor can be found, the producers still plan to move ahead with a shoot later this year and a summer 2011 release date.