Pitt Walks From 'State of Play'

The film project 'State of Play' was due to begin filming on November 15th, but star Brad Pitt quit the same week of script concerns.

The Fight Club star was due to reunite with Edward Norton in the drama directed by Last King of Scotland helmer Kevin Macdonald, with Dame Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman and Robin Wright Penn also to feature.

But while Pitt's interest in the project was piqued by Matthew Michael Carnahan's adaptation of Paul Abbott's UK mini-series, the Hollywood Reporter claims numerous rewrites have left the actor unhappy with the completed script.

And Universal Studios have confirmed Pitt's exit in a statement: "Brad Pitt has left the Universal Pictures production of State of Play. We remain committed to this project and to the filmmakers, cast members, crew and others who are also involved in making the movie."

Actors in contention to replace Pitt are Tom Hanks and Johnny Depp, who became available because the writers strike has postponed production on their projects as well.

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Johnny Depp Plays Ghoulish Mass Murderer

In a film adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim musical, Sweeney Todd, as ever, Depp's metamorphosis into the the vicious barber who collected human parts for Mrs. Lovett's meat pies, is completely authentic.

With his pale face, sunken eyes, and shock of dark hair punctuated by a Mallen streak, Depp looks terrifyingly authentic as the 19th century mass murderer.

Edward Scissorhands director Tim Burton has managed to enlist Depp to create a faithful film adaptation in which most of the action unfolds in song. Depp was a revelation, and surprised himself with his singing ability.

He said: "I knew I could stay in key to some degree. But I didn't know if I could sustain a note, or belt one out."

Sweeney Todd spins a gruesome tale of vengeance in 19th-century London. Director Burton insisted on lashings of blood as his ghoulish barber slashed clients in the gory scenes.

Yikes! Not sure if I'll be first in line to see this one. I don't know how I feel about putting mass murder to music.

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Johnny Depp Gets Back to Work

Johnny Depp is back to work in costume for his role as the demon barber of Fleet Street in 'Sweeney Todd'.

Photo: People.com

Depp's Daughter Had E. Coli

Doctors have finally revealed what Johnny Depps' daughter had that made her kidney's shut down, and it was the E. Coli virus. Lily-Rose was initially thought to have blood poisoning caused by an untreated wound from stepping on a rusty nail. No word was released on how she may have contracted the E. Coli virus however.

An insider on "Sweeney Todd" is quoted by Britain's The Sun newspaper as saying: "Everyone was shocked when we were told the real reason for Lily-Rose's illness. It was touch and go for her for a while."

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Johnny Depp's Daughter Hospitalized

Johnny Depp's daughter Lily-Rose is in a hospital in London, fighting for her life. The seven year old developed blood poisoning after stepping on a rusty nail, and it has gone into one of her kidneys. An inside source says she is not responding to treatment at this point.

Depp has halted filming of 'Sweeney Todd' in London so that he can be at his daughter's side during her illness.

Lily-Rose is Depp's daughter with his longtime girlfriend, model Vanessa Paradis. They also have a son, Jack, who is four.

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