Tobey Maguire Cut From Ang Lee's 'Life of Pi': The Actor's Performance Wasn't Working
Movie

It is reported that Lee decides to scrap Maguire's scene and replaces him with a new actor because the 'Spider-Man' thesp's starpower might affect other relatively unknown cast members.

AceShowbiz - Moviegoers will not see Tobey Maguire appearing in Ang Lee's "Life of Pi" after all. It has been confirmed that the scene featuring the "Spider-Man" actor in the potential Oscar contender has been scrapped because the thesp is dubbed "too famouse for the role."

Multiple insiders reveal to The Hollywood Reporter that Maguire's performance "wasn't working" in the movie. Despite the fact that Maguire only had a brief appearance in the film, Lee reportedly decides to cut his scene in fear that the actor's starpower will overshadow the other cast members who are relatively unknown.

Maguire, who will be seen in the postponed "The Great Gatsby", was originally expected to tackle the part of a writer who interviews main protagonist Pi. The actor's scene has been reshot with "Prometheus" actor Rafe Spall taking over the minor role.

Despite the abrupt decision, Maguire says that he has no hard feelings toward Lee, especially because they have built a good friendship since working together in 1997's "The Ice Storm". In fact, the "Seabiscuit" star admits that he truly supports his director friend.

"I fully support Ang's decision to go a different direction for this role in Life of Pi," he tells THR. "Ang shared a lot of the film with me, and what I saw was absolutely beautiful." Lee himself says, "To be consistent with the other casting choices made for the film, I decided to go with an entirely international cast. I very much admire Tobey and look forward to working with him again in the future."

Receiving positive reviews since it was teased during this year's CinemaCon in Las Vegas, "Life of Pi" focuses on a young man who survives a tragic disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While marooned on a lifeboat, he forms an amazing and unexpected connection with the ship's only other survivor - a fearsome Bengal tiger.

The film will open in the U.S. on November 21.

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