Ferrell replacing Downey in 'Oobermind'

GLENDALE, Calif., Aug. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Will Ferrell has signed on to star in the movie "Oobermind" after Robert Downey Jr. dropped out, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. announced Monday.

The studio blamed scheduling conflicts for Downey's departure from the film, which will co-star Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill and Tina Fey and is scheduled to hit theaters Nov. 5, 2010.

Ferrell is to play the title character, a super villain who falls into total despair after he defeats his archrival, Metro Man, played by Pitt.

"We are thrilled to welcome Will, Brad and Jonah to 'Oobermind,'" Bill Damaschke, co-president of production and president of live theatrical for DreamWorks Animation, said in a statement. "Together, our all-star cast will set the comedic tone for this exciting new twist on the superhero genre."