When Ang Lee's highly-anticipated adaptation of the bestseller "Life of Pi" hits screens later this year, one of its biggest stars won't be in it.

While the film stars an international cast of relative unknowns, Lee had cast his famous pal Tobey Maguire in a small role as a journalist. Now, however, comes word that the actor was cut from the film.

Apparently, Maguire is too recognizable and would likely take filmgoers out of the film's carefully constructed fantasy world.

“I fully support Ang’s decision to go a different direction for this role in 'Life of Pi,'" Maguire told The Hollywood Reporter. "Ang shared a lot of the film with me, and what I saw was absolutely beautiful.”

“To be consistent with the other casting choices made for the film, I decided to go with an entirely international cast," Lee further explained. "I very much admire Tobey and look forward to working with him again in the future.”

The role is instead being filled by rising star Rafe Spall ("Prometheus," "Anonymous").

Maguire and Lee have previously teamed on "The Ice Storm" and "Ride With the Devil." The actor will soon be seen in Baz Luhrmann's delayed "The Great Gatsby."