Mark Wahlberg Replaces Ryan Gosling in 'The Lovely Bones'

by Monika Bartyzel Oct 22nd 2007 // 10:32AM

Filed under: Drama, Casting, Newsstand

Just three days before shooting (which begins today) Variety reports that Ryan Gosling stepped out of his starring role in The Lovely Bones -- Peter Jackson's adaptation (with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) of Alice Sebold's hit novel. He had signed on to the drama back in June to play Jack Salmon, the father of the young, murdered Susie, who watches her family and murderer from heaven while trying to deal with the fact that she's dead. He was to star with Rachel Weisz, who is playing Jack's wife, Abigail.

Sources say that Gosling left due to creative differences, and that's a heck of a time to decide to leave! Beyond the fact that it didn't leave Jackson much time to find a replacement, Gosling had already gained 20 pounds for the role, and grown a beard. At least this wasn't a Machinist sort of gig -- it'd suck to walk out after starving yourself down to nothing. This is also the only project he has cooking (at least that's been released to the public), so I'm not quite sure what Gosling will be going with himself now.

But have no fear -- Marky Mark to the rescue! Wahlberg read the script and quickly committed to the role on Sunday. I have to give the casting powers credit -- that's a decent replacement in such a short time. That being said, it will definitely bring a whole different style to the role. This is also Wahlberg's first time in a Jackson production. The closest they have come to working together in the past was when Jackson popped up in an episode of Entourage, which Wahlberg is an executive producer of. So what say you, Lovely Bones fans? Is Wahlberg a decent replacement for Gosling?

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Tags: Mark Wahlberg, MarkWahlberg, Peter Jackson, PeterJackson, Ryan Gosling, RyanGosling, The Lovely Bones, TheLovelyBones

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