James Franco Out Of 'The Ice Man': Star Withdraws From Michael Shannon Film

Between his stint as the Wizard of Oz, burgeoning directorial career, foray into porn production, educational pursuits, art projects and writing, something had to give for James Franco.

According to Just Jared, Franco has pulled out of the upcoming film "The Ice Man," in which he was set to star as mentor to Michael Shannon, who would play mob hitman Richard "The Iceman" Kuklinski. The film may now completely fall apart.

Of course, he has no problem with on-screen killing; he plays an eccentric serial killer in "General Hospital," a role he's reprising this season, and will play a real life serial killer in "The Night Stalker," due out next year.

The star also recently dropped out of what would have been his Broadway debut, "Sweet Bird of Youth."

Don't worry, though, as there will be plenty of Franco to go around. He's directing an adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's "Child of God," as well as a documentary on a porn studio, and along with "The Night Stalker," will appear later this year in "Maladies" as a mentally ill young man, and will star next year in "Cherry" with Heather Graham, "The Stare" with Winona Ryder, the Olivia Wilde-starring biopic of porn actress-turned-feminist Linda Lovelace and the comedy, "Jay and Seth Vs. The Apocalypse" with Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel.

For more, click over to Just Jared.

Comments

[ASHTON CRUZ]

12:46 PM on 10/21/2011

I fapped to this headline!!

[kkdkdkdkdk]

05:41 AM on 10/21/2011

The people we treat as stars.

[bswell]

03:04 PM on 10/21/2011

He is one of our two most talented young actors, the other being Ryan Gosling. What does "stars" have to do with that?

[kkdkdkdkdk]

04:31 PM on 10/22/2011

I've not seen him in any role that I would consider him "one of our best young stars."

[FreedomMan]

04:19 PM on 10/20/2011

So is he or isn't he . . ?

[HenryMcMullen3]

04:03 PM on 10/20/2011

The epitome of the ecclectic artist taking full advantage of his wide and varied range, not squandering away his enviable position within the industry. And he does it all without appearing self absorbed. Simply...busy.

[Treehuggindirtworshiper]

01:24 PM on 10/20/2011

The manic phase is coming to an end. He needs to come out before he kills himself.

[dre31]

01:04 PM on 10/20/2011

Why he drop out. I like everything he does.

[kkdkdkdkdk]

05:41 AM on 10/21/2011

Thank goodness he dropped out. Let's hope he takes a job at McDonald's and stops "acting.."

[RhinnoSnot]

10:35 AM on 10/20/2011

Do we have to follow every move the actors make. Of course, you never get your barrel stuck in the holster. You pull out. However, is this really news?

[pepimartinez]

10:24 AM on 10/20/2011

You know James, that's not the safest method. While it probably feels good.... OH, of a MOVIE! Wow, that headline was misleading.

[hungrypilot]

08:48 AM on 10/20/2011

I'd like to express my perversion-minded morning by laughing at the linked headline that took me here. Good morning, everyone!

[wambouie]

06:16 AM on 10/20/2011

HE'S CUTE!!!

[Parker Gabriel]

03:47 AM on 10/20/2011

This was all revolting.
There should never have been a career for that talent-destroyer--that Fiend Against Humanity!

[Anita902]

03:19 AM on 10/20/2011

Regardless he's still a great actress. Check out his latest interview at CELEBUR .COM i think the video is still up.

[bocoe]

02:32 AM on 10/20/2011

Wow! Speaking of a full plate! Go James!

[mymind]

01:46 AM on 10/20/2011

He's a good actor who i'm glad to see getting his due!

[Brandie McCrory]

12:50 AM on 10/20/2011

I find myself oddly attracted by his eccentric charm...it's weird.