Downey Jr holsters 'Cowboys & Aliens' (LAT)
By Nancy Tartaglione
Robert Downey Jr. has fallen out of the Jon Favreau-directed sci-fi western "Cowboys & Aliens," The Los Angeles Times reports. The movie, according to LAT sources, will still move forward with Favreau, however.
DreamWorks is said to be seeking a new hero to replace Downey with production tentatively set to begin this year for a planned release in summer 2011.
"Cowboys & Aliens" focuses on outer-space creatures who land in Arizona circa the mid-19th century intent on enslaving the local population - until a group of cowboys and Apache Indians fight back.
Downey was set to play the gunslinger Zeke Jackson for his "Iron Man" director, but scheduling issues forced a re-think, says the LAT. His parting with "Cowboys" could re-ignite speculation that a "Sherlock Holmes" sequel is on the fast track...
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