News

Javier Bardem, who kicked off 2008 with a bang, nabbing the Best Supporting Actor statue for his creepy, yet critically acclaimed, role as a killer in No Country for Old Men, has been forced to bow out of the starring role in the musical Nine. The actor's reps say that while he was quite fond of the script, he pulled out due to exhaustion from a hectic work and awards season schedule and will spend the rest of the year on a break. A little memo to Bardem: Don't stay on hiatus too long! Grab those meaty roles while your star is still on the rise.

Ironically, Bardem was set to portray a film director named Guido Contini who tries to juggle his women and his work! The role will be recast. The film will be directed by Rob Marshall, who also helmed the successful film musical Chicago. The impressive cast includes Bardem's real-life love, Penelope Cruz, 2008's Best Actress Oscar winner Marion Cotillard and Italian screen queen Sophia Loren. Nicole Kidman and Judi Dench, both screen goddesses in their own right, are currently negotiating roles in the film, as well.

We wish Bardem well in recovering from his exhaustion.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
05.02.08