EDWARD NORTON - NORTON JOINS PITT AND EXITS STATE OF PLAY

EDWARD NORTON has followed the lead of his FIGHT CLUB co-star BRAD PITT and quit political drama STATE OF PLAY. Pitt walked away from the film just before Thanksgiving (22Nov07) and has since been replaced by Russell Crowe. Ben Affleck is among the favourites to take over Norton's role. Director Kevin MACdonald still hopes to start shooting the film early in 2008 after stalling the project's late November (07) start following Pitt's departure. If Affleck takes on the role vacated by Norton, he'll play a young politician caught up in a murder conspiracy investigated by journalist Crowe, who once worked for the candidate. Dame Helen Mirren, Rachel MCAdams and Robin Wright Penn are still attached to the film.