The 'Suicide Squad' actor leaves the project due to several reasons, including salary and scheduling issues.
- February 11, 2017
AceShowbiz -
Will Smith won't star in Disney's "Dumbo" remake. Last January, Smith was in talks to star in the pic about the lovable big-eared elephant, but he eventually passes on the project due to several reasons.
According to Deadline, salary and scheduling are among the reasons why Smith leaves. Smith was originally set to play the father of the children who befriend Dumbo. Meanwhile, Tom Hanks is reportedly offered to play the movie's villain.
Smith appeared in supervillain team-up movie "Suicide Squad" as Deadshot last year. He also starred in 2016's "Collateral Beauty". Smith will return to play Mike in "Bad Boys" threequel "Bad Boys for Life" which reunites him with co-star Martin Lawrence. The threequel is delayed almost a year and set to be released in the U.S. on November 9, 2018. This year, Smith will star in David Ayer's "Bright" along with Noomi Rapace, Edgar Ramirez and Joel Edgerton.
"Dumbo" is one of many live-action adaptations Disney has been working on. Its upcoming projects include "Beauty and the Beast (2017)" which will be released on March 17, "The Lion King", "Peter Pan", "Maleficent 2", "The Little Mermaid", "Mulan", "Snow White" and "Cruella", a pic centering on Cruella de Vil from "101 Dalmatians".
"Dumbo" will be directed by Tim Burton, who most recently helmed "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". "The Brothers Grimm" and "Transformers: Age of Extinction" writer Ehren Kruger will pen the script.
