Due to script re-writes, Brad Pitt suddenly dropped out of Universal Studios big budget film State of the Play. This was bad news for Universal, who were left without a male lead for film, which was slated to begin shooting November 15. The studio began losing money quickly after start date came, and the cameras did not roll as expected on location in LA and Washington DC.

The studio is already trying to replace Pitt. The story of a politico-turned-journalist whose loyalties are tested when he spearheads a newspaper’s investigation into a murder is set to star Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman and Robin Wright Penn, along with Pitt’s replacement.

Much of the problem, for Pitt, seems to stem from the fact that he wasn’t happy with recent re-writes, and now, no more can be done during the writers strike. A rep for Pitt could not be reached. Universal issued this 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.”

I can’t remember the last time I saw a Brad Pitt movie that didn’t depress me. Babel fucked me up for months, y’all.

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