Movie News

Kidman backs out of 'The Reader'

Wed 09 Jan 10:10 AM

Trade mag Variety has recently revealed that Nicole Kidman has been forced to withdraw from director Stephen Daldry's "The Reader" citing her pregnancy as the reason. But the Weinstein Brothers (producing the film) were quick to act and immediately signed up Kate Winslet to replace the outgoing Kidman.

"The Reader" has been shooting for the last three months in Berlin and in particular the Eastern city of Goerlitz. The production was staggered to allow for Kidman's work on Baz Lurhmann's "Australia" (which, consequently overran). So Kidman had not actually filmed any scenes making for an easy transition between leading ladies.

Ralph Fiennes and newcomer David Kross co-star in the drama about a teen who falls for an older woman in post-war Germany.

Incidentally, Winslet was the original first choice for the role but, due to scheduling conflicts with "Revolutionary Road" (her long awaited reteaming with "Titanic" co-star Leonardo DiCaprio), she was forced to pass up the project only for it now to fall back in to her lap.