BEN AFFLECK - AFFLECK PULLS OUT OF DISNEY FILM

Hollywood hunk BEN AFFLECK has pulled out of forthcoming DISNEY film GLORY ROAD - only weeks before shooting is scheduled to begin (AUG04).

The DAREDEVIL actor cited "scheduling commitments" as his reason behind quitting the biopic of TEXAS WESTERN UNIVERSITY coach DON HASKINS, who led the first all-black college basketball team to the NCAA (NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION) NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in 1966.

However, sources close to Affleck claims he was unhappy with the percentage of box office takings he would receive, along with the $5 million (GBP2.7 million) paycheque.

Despite claiming he is too busy, Affleck appears to have a relaxing few months ahead of him. He has no other films in the works and only has to promote SURVIVING CHRISTMAS in November (04).

Affleck is planning to spend the rest of this year (04) supporting JOHN KERRY's bid for presidency and competing in poker championships.

SWEET HOME ALABAMA heart-throb JOSH LUCAS is reportedly now in negotiations to replace Affleck as Haskins.