Date: 28th May 2013

Tom Cruise Drops Out of 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.'


Director Guy Ritchie has a headache on his hands. Tom Cruise has pulled out of Warner Bros’ 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.'.

The actor was looking to shoot the studio’s big-screen take on the classic TV series in the autumn, before 'Mission: Impossible 5', but according to sources, the films were clashing.

Giving Cruise leeway was the fact that his deal never closed (unlike his 'MI:5' deal).

That action sequel won’t shoot until late this year, however, and since Cruise likes to take an active role in the development of these films, including planning and performing the stunts, he's decided to bow out.

Armie Hammer is still onboard to co-star in the film, directed by Ritchie, while Swedish actress Alicia Vikander is in negotiations for the female lead. The studio is now looking for A-list talent to replace Cruise.

After trying and failing to get 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' off the ground with Steven Soderbergh, the Warner Bros. Project seemed to get a new lease on life when Guy Ritchie signed on and then got Cruise and Armie Hammer to star. But once again, the long-gestating picture has hit a problem.

Matthew Vaughn and David Dobkin were originally attached to direct way back before Soderbergh picked up the job. Under Soderbergh, George Clooney, Michael Fassbender, 'The Killing' star, Joel Kinnaman, Johnny Depp, and Channing Tatum flirted with the lead roles but none of them stuck around.

Source: Press Release