Ryan Gosling Drops Out Of Peter Jackson’s Adaptation Of “The Lovely Bones”

There’s a certain bookstore here in Austin that I frequent often because I’m able to pick up books in the bargain bin for $1 pretty much anytime I want. I’m not going to name the store for fear of losing the source of my fix (God alone knows how many books I’ve purchased over the past 6 months).

I mention this bookstore because not so long ago I picked up a copy of Alice Sebold’s, The Lovely Bones, in the bargain bin for $1. I had already heard that Peter Jackson was planning to direct the movie version of “The Lovely Bones” and that Ryan Gosling was set to star so I bought the book without thinking. I actually started reading it this past weekend.

Having a picture of Ryan Gosling in my head as I read the story makes it harder for me now to adjust to the idea that Ryan Gosling will no longer be playing the part of the father in this story. If you’ve never heard of The Lovely Bones it’s basically a story about a 14-year-old girl from suburban Pennsylvania who is murdered by her neighbor. She tells the story from Heaven, showing the lives of the people around her and how they have changed while attempting (hoping?) to get someone to find her lost body.

Gosling had gained 20 pounds and grew out a beard to play the role of the grieving father. Variety is reporting, however, that he dropped out the day before shooting was to start due to “creative differences” which is pretty much a blanket reason in Hollywood that could mean almost anything.

The script was passed to Mark Wahlberg yesterday who read it and quickly committed to taking over Gosling’s former role. He will be joining Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, and a remaining cast of relative unknowns.

I have only read two-thirds of the book but I can certainly see why Jackson would be drawn to the material. It’s an emotional and moving story about love and loss that almost everyone can relate to in some way. It does, however, seem an odd choice of material for Jackson to direct. It is unlike anything he’s done to this point. I suppose it makes sense that he would want to do something other than the big Hollywood tent-pole film, but it will be interesting to see if he has the subtle touch this material will require to make the audience respond.

The film begins shooting today in Pennsylvania, where Wahlberg most recently wrapped the lead in the M. Night Shyamalan directed “The Happening” for Fox. Peter Jackson wrote the script adaptation with his “The Lord of the Rings” partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens.

The film does not yet have a release date.