Penn pulls out of 'Cartel,' "Stooges,' citing personal reasons (VAR, THR, HE, DHD)

By Nancy Tartaglione

Sean Penn has pulled out of starring in Universal and Imagine's "Cartel" and will be unable to make the start date of the Farrelly brothers' "The Three Stooges" at MGM. Penn cited personal reasons for the decisions and reportedly is taking the time off to work on his marriage.

In late 2007, Penn sought a legal separation from his wife Robin Wright Penn but the petition was later dismissed. Earlier this year, the star filed again and a month later asked the court to dismiss his request.

For the Asger Leth-directed drama "Cartel," Penn's role will be recast. In "Stooges," Penn was to play Larry. The film also stars Jim Carrey as Curly and Benicio Del Toro as Moe. For the moment it is unclear if MGM will recast or wait for Penn to return to work.

In the case of "Stooges," the Farrellys have been developing the project for years and scored a coup with the trio of lead actors. The film was eyeing a late August start date, and MGM has slotted it for a 2010 release. If the studio does wait, it could risk losing Carrey and del Toro. On the other hand, notes The Hollywood Reporter, half of Hollywood would poke their eyes out for the part.

Hollywood Elsewhere reports rumors that potential Penn replacements in "Stooges" include Paul Giamatti, Adrien Brody, Simon Pegg, Zach Galifianakis and Larry David.

Penn has completed two films for release next year: "Fair Game," the Doug Liman-directed drama about outed CIA agent Valerie Plame and the Terrence Malick-directed "The Tree of Life."

Penn's undetermined sabbatical could last as long as a year, say reports.