Will Smith Tapped to Replace Hugh Jackman in 'Collateral Beauty'

Movie

The 'Suicide Squad' actor has signed up to star opposite Rooney Mara in the film that will be directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.

August 5, 2015

AceShowbiz -

"Collateral Beauty" has found its new lead actor after Hugh Jackman left the project. Will Smith has closed a deal to star in the movie, taking over the role that was supposed to be played by the Aussie hunk.

Smith will play a New York advertising executive who experiences a personal tragedy. His colleagues devise an unconventional plan to break him out of his depression, which works, but not in a way that anyone imagined. Rooney Mara is already on board the project.

Alfonso Gomez-Rejon will direct the drama film with the script provided by Allan Loeb. PalmStar is fully financing. Smith's Overbrook Entertainment is producing alongside Anonymous Content, PalmStar and Likely Story.

Principal photography is set to kick off in October. No release date is set for the movie just yet.

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Jackman bowed out of the project in May due to scheduling issue because he's already attached to "The Wolverine 3". Last month, it was reported that Johnny Depp was eyed as a replacement.

Smith is currently filming "Suicide Squad" in which he plays Deadshot. He recently starred in "Focus" and will next be seen in NFL drama "Concussion".