The casting drama surrounding Alfonso Cuaron’s space-set thriller GRAVITY may prove more compelling than the actual film…and today the plot thickens. Just as Cuaron and Warner Bros. had found their much sought after female lead (finally landing Sandra Bullock), it seems they’ve lost their…pull…on their male counterpart. Says Deadline, Bob Downey Jr. (right) has dropped GRAVITY like his old f*ckin’ drug habit.
So far Warner denies the claim (or, refuses to confirm it), but it’s said that scheduling snafus have accounted for Downey’s departure. Word is Bullock (below) is lobbying for Downey’s stay, and that Warner is confident the scheduling will work itself out. Even if it doesn’t, the film shouldn’t suffer too much, as Downey’s role is far secondary to the one now assumed by Bullock.
If you’ve forgotten, GRAVITY (in 3D) revolves around astronauts repairing the Hubble telescope who are hit with an avalanche of satellite junk. In a plot akin to “Cast Away,” the surviving astronaut (Bullock) must fight her way back to Earth, where she hopes to reunite with her daughter.
Downey Jr. has DUE DATE out soon, is currently filming SHERLOCK HOLMES 2, and has THE AVENGERS in pre-production. Looks like those latter two mega blockbusters are eating his time, ay?