Robert Downey Jr. Will Not Star in GRAVITY, Now Circling HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS

After trying for weeks to work the project into his schedule, Robert Downey Jr. has officially dropped out of talks to star in Alfonso Cuaron’s Gravity.  The sci-fi 3D flick has been one of the most talked about projects around town.  Sandra Bullock is attached to star in the ambitious flick which is supposedly similar to 2000’s Cast Away, in that the female lead is the only actor on screen for the bulk of the film. Bullock stars as an astronaut adrift in space attempting to get back to her ship.  Downey was trying to fit the film into his increasingly very busy schedule.  He’s currently filming the sequel to last year’s Sherlock Holmes, The Avengers begins filming early next year, and he’s also attached to star in Disney’s Oz: The Great and Powerful to be directed by Sam Raimi.

Heat Vision reports that Downey is now eyeing Fox’s How to Talk to Girls.  Based upon a book written by a 9-year old boy revolving around advice on how to deal with the opposite sex, Downey is looking to also produce the film with his wife and producing partner Susan Downey.  A draft of the script already exists, but Susan Downey will apparently take over the project and develop it as a Downey-starring vehicle. For more on RDJ and what’s to become of Gravity, hit the jump.

Cuaron’s ambitious project Gravity has had quite a tough time getting off the ground. Warner Bros. tested a slew of A-list actresses for the leading role, only to have both Angelina Jolie and Natalie Portman ultimately pass on the project in lieu of scheduling issues.  They finally found a star in Sandra Bullock (a fine choice), only to now have RDJ drop out.  However, his part apparently only appears in the first act, so it shouldn’t be a tough role to recast, but his involvement elevated my already high anticipation for the project.  I just hope this doesn’t hinder the ability of the film to get made. There’s already been a number of setbacks, and with a presumably high budget time really does equal money.

The flick apparently opens with a 20-minute single shot (reminiscent of Cuaron’s extraordinary work on Children of Men), and is 60% CGI. I think Cuaron is one of the great visionary directors working today, and with this being Harry Potter week and all, I’m constantly reminded of the fact the he helmed my favorite Potter film of the series so far (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban).  If the movie-gods are at all merciful, Gravity will gloss over this minor setback and we’ll get to see Cuaron’s film in all its glory sooner rather than later.