Jack Huston exits 'The Crow' remake

Los Angeles: Actor Jack Huston, who was slated to play the lead in the upcoming remake of 1994 fantasy-action movie "The Crow", has left the film due to scheduling issues.

Nicholas Hoult and Jack O'Connell are eyed to replace him in the role of Eric Draven, reported Variety. The remake initially had Luke Evans to portray Draven, but he left the project in January reportedly to pursue other projects. 

Following Evans' departure, the studio tapped Huston as his replacement. Although the issues were not specified, but some speculated that it is the remake of "Ben-Hur", in which Huston currently works on that caused his departure.

Director Corin Hardy confirmed Huston's departure in a statement. "Jack Huston is unfortunately unavailable to continue with us on 'The Crow'," he wrote.

"'The Crow' is an amazing project, and I am grateful that we have the time and patience to get it right. We look forward to unveiling our new lead and starting to film over the next several weeks," he continued.

Hoult, who is well known for his role as Hank McCoy aka Beast in "X-Men: First Class", "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and the currently-filmed "X-Men: Apocalypse".

Meanwhile, other news said that Forest Whitaker was in talks to play Ernie Hudson's cop character from the original. He will take part in the reboot after he finishes working on "The Story of Your Life". Andrea Riseborough is also said to play the villainous Top Dollar.

Based on James O'Barr's 1989 comic book of the same name, the long-gestating film centres on Draven, a murdered rock star who is brought to life by supernatural bird crow to avenge his murder and that of his fiancee.

The original movie starred Brandon Lee in the lead role. The reboot aims a 2016 release.