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"Game" over for another Carrey movie
2006-10-04
The much-ballyhooed movie reunion of Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz has turned out to be short-lived. Both Carrey and Diaz have exited the comedy-drama "A Little Game Without Consequence," which was set to begin production this month in New York. The movie's director, Gabriele Muccino, also has departed the Focus Features project, due to "substantive creative differences," the studio said. For Carrey, this is the third movie in a row to hit roadblocks. He recently fired his long-time talent agent. Sources cited problems with the script as the principal reason for the departures. The script was said to have gone in a different direction than the actors expected when they became involved. Muccino wrote the most recent draft. The film revolves around a picture-perfect couple who fake a breakup, only to discover that their friends never thought their union was a good idea in the first place. The screenplay based on a French play by Jean Dell and Gerald Sibleyras, which also was turned into the 2004 film "Un petit jeu sans consequence." The differences came to a head over the weekend, when "conversations were had," according to one source. Focus and the movie's producers, Alain Chabat and Stephanie Danan, wanted to go in one direction, Muccino in another. Diaz and Carrey, who previously worked together in "The Mask," left the project before Muccino's exit. Several sources said the trio wanted to keep the project's dark tone, while Focus wanted to make a more commercial movie. Focus said Tuesday that it is still planning to make the movie and is looking for a new director. "Due to amicable but substantive creative differences, Focus Features and producers Alain Chabat and Stephanie Danan are no longer making 'A Little Game' with Gabriele Muccino. We are actively seeking a suitable replacement and plan to move forward with the project when that happens," the Focus statement said. Several sources contend the producers still hope to make the movie with Carrey, who has director approval. But according to insiders close to the situation, Carrey is unlikely to return to the project. Carrey has had a difficult year. "Used Guys," a movie he was to have starred in with Ben Stiller for 20th Century Fox, was shut down because of escalating costs. Then Paramount Pictures' "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" was put on hold -- sources attributed that change to either costs or script problems. One insider said Paramount was close to hiring a new writer to revive the project. With "Game," it appears that Carrey is leaving because of creative disagreements. He recently ditched United Talent Agency, the firm that turned him into a superstar, and signed with Hollywood powerhouse Creative Artists Agency. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter Muzi.com News
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