Mark Wahlberg, David O. Russell Fight Over 'The Silver Linings Playbook'
The pair that brought "The Fighter" to the big screen is now embroiled in its own dramatic scrap.
After waiting years to bring the story of underdog Boston boxer Mickey Ward to theaters, Mark Wahlberg, stung by Darren Aronofsky's departure, asked David O. Russell to helm the picture. The film would go on to garner a boatload of Oscar nominations, and prompted the two friends to develop more projects together. One of them, "The Silver Linings Playbook," in which Wahlberg was set to star, recently underwent a sudden casting switch -- leading to a major falling out between the two.
The Wrap reports that Russell decided to recast the film's leading role, swapping Wahlberg for Bradley Cooper. At first it seemed as if it was an issue of timing -- Wahlberg is very busy at the moment, as he is slated to film at least three new movies in the coming months -- but it turns out it was a simple squabble over money. Cooper, it appears, would work more cheaply than Wahlberg, who was owed a $900,000 bonus because Anne Hathaway dropped out of the film (Jennifer Lawrence will replace her as a younger love interest).
Now, Cooper will take on the role of a man recently released from a mental health facility, looking to put back together his life. It's caused a major rift between Wahlberg and Russell, who had previously made "Three Kings" and "I Heart Huckabees" together. What that means for the sequel to "The Fighter" remains to be seen.
Still, don't fear, Wahlberg fans; there's plenty of Marky Mark still on the horizon. He'll soon star in "Contraband" with Kate Beckinsale, "Ted" with Mila Kunis, the drama "Billy Jack" and mob movie, "When Corruption Was King," and the cop comedy, "Bait and Switch."
For more, click over to The Wrap.
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First Posted: 10/18/11 11:14 AM ET Updated: 12/18/11 05:12 AM ET