Bardem quits movie musical 'Nine'

LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- Javier Bardem's representatives say the Spanish actor has dropped out of the upcoming movie musical "Nine" being directed by "Chicago" filmmaker Rob Marshall.

Bardem, who is best-known for his Oscar-winning performance in "No Country for Old Men," had been hired to play the lead in "Nine."

Antonio Banderas played the role of Guido Contini in the Broadway production several years ago.

Variety.com said Bardem's representatives insisted the actor loved the script, as well as the idea of working with Marshall, but felt compelled to pull out of the project because he is exhausted from working and making the rounds during awards season.

Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren are still on board to star in "Nine," while Nicole Kidman and Judi Dench are said to be negotiating to join the cast, the trade paper said.

"Nine" is a musical inspired by Federico Fellini's movie "8 1/2," which is about a filmmaker confronted by the various women in his life.