Robert Downey Jr. Departs from Gravity
Posted 11.18.10 by Ryan
As expected, Robert Downey Jr. has dropped out of director Alfonso Cuarón's 3-D space thriller Gravity. In late October, it was reported that Downey was "doubtful" to participate in Gravity, after Warner Bros.' prolonged search for a lead actress to replace Angelina Jolie took up the time Downey had reserved to shoot the movie since becoming attached in March. THR reports that Downey has officially left the project, which had cast the actor in a supporting role.
Downey's busy schedule includes Sherlock Holmes 2, which is currently in production, The Avengers, which starts shooting in February, and Oz: The Great and Powerful, which is hoping to start production next summer. According to the report, Downey could also star in Fox's How to Talk to Girls, based on a book written by a nine-year-old boy that offers advice on how to deal with the opposite sex. Susan Downey will produce the movie along with her husband, which is being reconceived as a vehicle for the Iron Man actor. A screenwriter is being sought to rewrite the initial draft by Ben Karlin and Stu Zicherman.
As for Gravity, Sandra Bullock is still in negotiations to star, and Warners will recast Downey's role.