Kidman tunes out tuner
Thesp bows out of 'Producers' movie
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Kidman's reps said Thursday that the actress, currently shooting "Bewitched," wouldn't have enough time to rehearse the intricate song and dance routines in "The Producers" before she heads into her next film, the Oz-set "Eucalyptus," opposite fellow Aussies Russell Crowe and Geoffrey Rush.
A rep for Kidman said Brooks' team was very understanding of Kidman's packed schedule, and the parties made the decision amicably.
The Susan Stroman-directed film, which Universal will release domestically, is skedded to start shooting in February at Brooklyn's new Steiner Studios. Cast includes Lane and Broderick, plus Broadway co-stars Roger Bart and Gary Beach, joined by funnyman Will Ferrell.
In making the pic, Kidman would have reunited with two recent leading men: Broderick ("Stepford Wives") and Ferrell ("Bewitched"). Bart also was in "Stepford Wives."
Kidman was slated to take the role of Ulla, the Swedish bombshell who works as a secretary for Max Bialystock (Lane) and Leo Bloom (Broderick), in the $45 million musical feature.
Busy thesp will wrap "Bewitched" before the end of the year and head to Oz after the holidays. She also recently wrapped Sydney Pollack-directed pic "The Interpreter."
Meanwhile, "The "Producers," based on Brooks' 1968 comedy classic, launched in London last month, with Lane reprising his role for a short stint.
Cady Huffman originated the Ulla role on Broadway.
