MARK WAHLBERG - WAHLBERG REPLACES GOSLING

WAHLBERG REPLACES GOSLING

Mark Wahlberg has stepped in to replace Ryan Gosling on Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Lovely Bones, after the Notebook actor pulled out this weekend.

Despite gaining over 20 pounds and growing a heavy beard for the role, Gosling quit the production a day before shooting began.

According to trade newspaper Daily Variety, the Half Nelson star pulled out of the project due to "creative differences".

Wahlberg agreed to take the part on Sunday, with the movie's Pennsylvania shoot kicking off yesterday (Monday October 21st).

Lord of the Rings director Jackson collaborated with wife Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens to adapt the Alice Sebold novel for Dreamworks.

Wahlberg will play the role of Jack Salmon, the grieving father of a girl (Atonement's Saoirse Ronan) who is murdered and watches her family - and killer - from heaven.

Rachel Weisz stars as the murdered child's mother, with Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci and Michael Imperioli also all attached.

Wahlberg - nominated for the best supporting actor Oscar for his role in The Departed - recently completed shooting M Night Shymalan's new movie The Happening and stars opposite Joaquin Phoenix in upcoming thriller We Own The Night.