NEW YORK, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has turned down a role in the big-screen musical "Nine," the New York Daily News reported Monday.
The project would have reunited her with Rob Marshall, who directed her Oscar-winning performance in "Chicago."
Zeta-Jones reportedly decided not to star in Marshall's film version of "Nine," which is based on Federico Fellini's 1963 film, "8 1/2," and the Broadway musical, "Nine," because Marshall wouldn't give her more to do in a film that also stars Javier Bardem, Sophia Loren, Penelope Cruz and Marion Cotillard.
The News cited a source who said, "Catherine asked if (writer) Michael Tolkin could enlarge her part."
Marshall is said to have politely told her: "It's an ensemble story. It always has been."
But a friend of the actress said she never made a commitment to do "Nine."
"She had a meeting with Rob. She'd love to work with him again. But she felt she'd done the same sort of role in 'Chicago.' The script wasn't an issue," the friend said.
