By Quentin Tarantino might be starting to wonder whether the role of Ace Woody in his end-of-year Western Django Unchained is cursed. The role was originally occupied by Kevin Costner, but the actor dropped out late last year due to scheduling conflicts. Kurt Russell, a one-time Tarantino alum via Death Proof, stepped into the breach, but has now stepped out again with no reason given. The character is undeniably controversial – Woody trains slaves to fight in public matches – but you know what you’re getting when you sign on with Tarantino. The movie is scheduled to release on Christmas Day of this year, so the director will have to get a move on in signing a third actor for the part.
Also dropping out is Sacha Baron Cohen, of Ali G and Brüno fame. He was set to cameo in a small role, but press duties for The Dictator got in the way. Cohen is a fun presence, but given how insufferably Mike Myers’ cameo in Inglourious Basterds turned out, I’m not too cut up about this one. With Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, Sam Jackson and Kerry Washington still hanging around, the movie certainly isn’t shy of talent – let’s just try not to lose any more, eh, Quentin?
[via Collider]