‘The Crow’ News: Jack Huston out, Nicholas Hoult or Jack O’Connell in?

Jack Huston has dropped out of The Crow, abandoning the role originated by Brandon Lee in the 1994 film of the same name, but had to drop out due to scheduling issues. The Crow is currently in pre-production in Wales.

“Jack Huston is unfortunately unavailable to continue with us on The Crow,” said director Corin Hardy in a statement. “The Crow is an amazing project, and I am grateful that we have the time and patience to get it right. We look forward to unveiling our new lead and starting to film over the next several weeks.”

Relativity Studios is backing the film, and is eyeing Nicholas Hoult and Jack O’Connell, among others, as possible replacements, according the Variety news report.

The studio is currently in negotiations to bring Forest Whitaker on board the project in another role, according to a source close to Relativity.

Relativity released its own statement about Huston’s departure. He joined the project this spring after Luke Evans (Fast & Furious 6, The Hobbit) exited the production.

Jack Huston as Richard Harrow on ‘Boardwalk Empire’

“Jack is a remarkably gifted actor, and we look forward to working with him in the future,” the studio said. “Corin Hardy has a tremendous vision for The Crow, and we are working closely with him to continue prepping the movie and supporting him as he brings his vision to the bigscreen.”

Huston’s upcoming projects include Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and the starring role in Ben-Hur.

The original 1994 Crow movie centered on a murdered rock star who is resurrected in order to hunt down his killers. Brandon Lee, the lead and son of martial arts great Bruce Lee, died during the film’s production after he was shot with a defective blank.

The Crow is set to arrive in theaters in 2016 with Andrea Riseborough attached as the villain Top Dollar.