Brad Pitt was to begin filming the American remake of a British film “State of Play” last week but reportedly decided the script wasn’t good enough and removed himself from the project.

With the Writers Guild strike in full swing, a script rewrite was unlikely.

The role that Pitt had signed on to play was that of a journalist who is assigned to look into the death of a political researcher. During his investigation he becomes mixed up in a conspiracy.

Helen Mirren and Ed Norton are already on board for the project. Actors Johnny Depp and Russell Crowe are being considered to replace Pitt.

Universal Studios issued a statement indicating they are committed to the firm, the script and the cast and will move forward with the project.

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