Will Smith replaces Hugh Jackman in 'Collateral Beauty'

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Will Smith is set to take over acting duties for Hugh Jackman in the upcoming film Collateral Beauty.

The next film from director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon (Me And Earl And The Dying Girl) centers around a New York advertising executive (Smith) who experiences a deep personal tragedy. When his colleagues devise an unconventional plan to break him out of his depression, the plan works, but not in a way that anyone imagined.

Originally, Collateral Beauty was set to reunite Jackman and actress Rooney Mara, who will be seen together this October in Pan. Jackman decided to exit the project due to scheduling conflicts with filming his next turn as comic book hero Wolverine, his final farewell to the character.

Smith will also lend his hand in helping to produce the film, bringing in his Overbrook Entertainment production company.

Principal photography on Collateral Beauty will begin in October.