Ben Affleck drops out of 'Focus'

Kristen Stewart still set to star in con artist film from 'Crazy Stupid Love' directors

By HitFix Staff Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 1:59 PM

Ben Affleck

Credit: AP Photo

Ben Affleck just can't stay in "Focus."

The busy actor-director has dropped out of Warner Bros.' upcoming con artist comedy due to scheduling conflicts, according to Variety.

The "Argo" star was set to co-star with "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart in the film from "Crazy Stupid Love" writer-directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa.

"Focus," which centers on a veteran grifter who takes a younger girl under his wing, will still go forward with a plan to shoot this coming spring. There's no word on who will replace Affleck however.

In addition to picking up multiple awards for directing and starring in "Argo," Affleck will soon be focusing on his next directorial effort, "Live By Night" and is also developing an adaptation of Stephen King's "The Stand" at Warner Bros.

He and pal Matt Damon also have a biopic based on Boston mobster Whitey Bulger in development.

Related Searches: Ben Affleck, Warner Bros, Focus, Kristen Stewart, Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Next Article - Zac Efron joins impressive ensemble cast in 'Parkland'
Previous Article - Joss Whedon says Wasp would have replaced Black Widow in 'Avengers'

Trending Now on HitFix Boards

Topic	Started By	Latest Post	Replies
Grammys 2013 - Celebrity Quotes	TerranceMcKnight	3 months ago	1
Phillip Phillips New Album. What are your thoughts?	mezoismusic	6 months ago	1
Discuss Music General on HitFix Message Boards »

Dessy

Hell iam the only one happy Ben's DO for Focus bec in my opinion his acting is bad but he's make a good job for director like Argo. I prepare R Gozling for Kristen bec his age more close to her age and both so talented and hot!!!
December 19, 2012 at 4:25PM EST Reply to Comment
- patrick Well, I'm happy he dropped out because this project sounds shite and he has better things to work on? Does that count?
  December 19, 2012 at 7:05PM EST
- FistOSalmon He's keeping his schedule open to consider a run at the Senate seat that will open up if/when John Kerry is appointed Secretary of State.
  
  A Mass. state law requiring a special election within 160 days of a senator resigning or dying was put in place, ironically enough, in 2004 by the Massachusetts legislature to keep then governor Mitt Romney from appointing a republican to fill Kerry's seat if he won the 2004 presidential election.
  
  Democrats don't have a strong candidate to run against former Republican senator Scott Brown who just lost Ted Kennedy's old seat to Elizabeth Warren and would be a heavy favorite, he's relatively well liked in otherwise blue Massachusetts. Affleck is famous, very smart and has been active in Democratic politics for years. And from Massachusetts, it's not the first time his name has been brought up for a future Senatorial run in either that state or California.
  
  160 days from the day Kerry resigns which will be end of January/beginning of February. Do the math. It sounds goofy but it's a serious possibility.
  December 20, 2012 at 3:13AM EST

News From Our Partners

Follow HitFix:

Follow @HitFix

Get Instant Alerts on Breaking News

HitFix.com

Event Calendar

Movies

TV

Music

Videos

Photos

Awards

Riot

In Theaters

New to DVD

On Demand

New Music

Ben Affleck drops out of 'Focus'

Kristen Stewart still set to star in con artist film from 'Crazy Stupid Love' directors