The upcoming con artist comedy “Focus” appears to have changed its casting plans once again.
According to Variety, Will Smith is in talks to play the film’s lead hustler, a role that was once filled by Ben Affleck.
Back in December, Affleck was set to portray the more experienced swindler who takes a newbie con artist under his wing. At the time, Kristen Stewart was set to play the young, inexperienced grifter, but she’s apparently no longer attached to the movie, either.
Affleck, who seemed excited about teaming up with Stewart, soon dropped out of the role because of his hectic schedule. With Smith is being eyed as the replacement lead, Stewart reportedly parted ways with the film thinking their age difference would be “too large a gap.” (Smith will turn 45 this fall, and the “Twilight Saga” star has just turned 23. Affleck, meanwhile, is approaching his 41st birthday.)
Written and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (“Crazy, Stupid, Love.”), “Focus” was previously aiming to begin filming this month.
Breeanna Hare | CNN
