Troubled actor ROBERT DOWNEY JR's next movie role will go ahead - regardless of whether he can take part in the filming.

The ALLY McBEAL actor, who was arrested last weekend (25NOV00) in Palm Springs, California, on drug charges, must go back to court two days after Christmas (27DEC00) to face trial.

And if the actor ends up back behind bars, JULIA ROBERTS, who he's supposed to be co-starring opposite in his next scheduled movie, AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS, will not be waiting for him.

A source says, "According to REVOLUTION STUDIOS, shooting will go ahead in January (01) - with or without Robert."

(SVD/WNV/RGS)

Source: WENN