Date: 25th July 2003

Nicole pulls out of von Trier trilogy


Nicole Kidman has pulled out of the remaining two films in Lars von Trier's US trilogy, which began with Dogville.

Kidman is busy with other films until October and von Trier feels he cannot wait, reports Screen Daily.

The Danish director has decided to carry on with his project using different actresses in the lead role of Grace.

The second film will be entitled Manderlay and all the parts are yet to be cast.

Kidman's split from the project comes despite assurances made at Dogville's Cannes festival debut that she was secured for the trilogy.

Von Trier's producer Vibeke Windeloev said the loss of Kidman could not be helped.

"She really wanted to do it, and we really wanted her... for both financial reasons and because of Lars' many other projects, we just have to stick to our March-April start date," Windeloev told the website.

"The Americans might be used to film schedules being set after the availability of the stars, but we just couldn't postpone the shoot until it fitted Nicole's," she added.

Source: Press Release