Jason Statham jumped ship on The Man From Toronto because studio execs wanted to keep it PG-13… as Woody Harrelson replaces him

Jason Statham dropped out just weeks before shooting began on new action movie The Man From Toronto.

Now it has emerged that the move was promoted by a decision by  studio execs at Columbia Pictures and Sony to keep the film a PG-13, and not an R-rating as Statham desired, the The Hollywood Reporter revealed.

The Crank actor has been replaced by Zombieland actor Woody Harrelson.

He's out: Jason Statham dropped out of action movie The Man From Toronto over a clash regarding the film's rating, and now Woody Harrelson has been secured to replace him

He’s out: Jason Statham dropped out of action movie The Man From Toronto over a clash regarding the film’s rating, and now Woody Harrelson has been secured to replace him

The film, to be directed by Statham’s Expendables 3 director Patrick Hughes, will see Hart, 40, and now Harrelson, 58, in a case of mistaken identity, in which a dangerous assassin and a hapless screw-up from New York cross paths at an AirBnb.

Top Storiesby Daily Mail00:0600:48Sienna Miller opts for flapper style dress at the 2023 Met GalaNatalie Portman is a floral beauty at Christian Dior PFW showBromance! Harry Styles and James Cordon hop on bikes to roam LondonFirefighters tackle blaze at ITV star Ant's former Chiswick homeKate Garraway on MBE: 'Sharing the day with Derek is unbelievable'Trinny and Susannah discuss their 2014 show From Boom to BustNatalie Portman exclusive photos in plunging redgown for Dior

The casting shakeup comes just a few weeks before principal photography was set to begin, with Statham, 52, promptly exiting before signing any deal officially linking him to the project.

Harrelson was a natural choice for the studio, with the zombie comedy franchise in which he stars, Zombieland and last year’s sequel Zombieland: Double Tap, performing well for Columbia Pictures.

What’s more, the Cheers actor recently wrapped production on Sony’s comic book sequel Venom 2, in which he will star as principal villain Carnage opposite Tom Hardy’s titular Venom character.

He's in: The casting shakeup comes just a few weeks before principal photography is set to begin, with Woody signing a deal

He’s in: The casting shakeup comes just a few weeks before principal photography is set to begin, with Woody signing a deal

Action star Jason Statham takes on the bottle cap challenge

The securing of Harrelson comes just in time, as the studio has already slated Man From Toronto to be released this November 20.

There is no word yet as to whether the new casting development will lead to a delay in production, and consequently, the release date.

While Harrelson and Hart have yet to work together, Hart did in fact already appear in a film with Statham — last summer’s hit spinoff actioner Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.

Switcheroo: While Statham exited before signing any deal, Harrelson was a natural choice for the studio, seeing as how he recently wrapped Venom 2, in which he will star as principal villain Carnage

Switcheroo: While Statham exited before signing any deal, Harrelson was a natural choice for the studio, seeing as how he recently wrapped Venom 2, in which he will star as principal villain Carnage

Switcheroo: While Statham exited before signing any deal, Harrelson was a natural choice for the studio, seeing as how he recently wrapped Venom 2, in which he will star as principal villain Carnage

Just a few weeks ago, Hart shared his excitement about reuniting with Statham in an Instagram post.

Posting a candid photo of the two of them together, the comedian and actor wrote: ‘I couldn’t be more excited about my next movie…. @jasonstatham & I have been trying to figure out a movie to do together for years. I’m happy to say that we not only figured it out but we also knocked the idea out of the park.’

He added: ‘I can’t wait to start production man….This movie is going to deliver on so many levels…..Buckle up people!!!! #ManFromToronto #StathamAndHart.’

Time for some ‘Samoan a-whooping!” in ‘Hobbs & Shaw’ trailer

How the cookie crumbles: While Harrelson and Hart have yet to work together, Hart already appeared in last summer's hit Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw with Statham, and was excited to work with him again
+5
View gallery

How the cookie crumbles: While Harrelson and Hart have yet to work together, Hart already appeared in last summer’s hit Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw with Statham, and was excited to work with him again

Related Posts

Kanye West has teeth REMOVED and replaced with $850K TITANIUM dentures ‘more expensive than diamonds’ – as rapper compares himself to James Bond villain Jaws

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is apparently into heavy metal now.On Wednesday, Ye shared a picture on Instagram of what appeared to be metallic dentures. The…

Woman linked to Offset issues tearful apology to Cardi B: ‘I never meant to break up a happy home’

Summer Bunni says she has not “messed” with Offset since he and Cardi B’s daughter Kulture Kiari was born in tearful apology to the “Bodak Yellow” singer.The…

Offset begs Cardi B for head at 5 AM without brushing her teeth

Offset and Cardi B are never shy with sharing their love life. Watch this video below if you don’t understand what I mean!Cardi B and husband Offset…

Offset and Cardi have a good time talking with fans together and do some fun things

Cardi B and ex-hubby Offset enjoy their time while talking with fans online. Watch it!Cardi B and husband Offset’s relationship has endedThe “Bodak Yellow” rapper, 31, confirmed…

Fans beg Cardi B not to get back to Offset as rapper once admitted she hasn’t had it for a long time

Cardi B continues to spark divorce rumors from husband Offset.On a recent Instagram Live, the “Bodak Yellow” artist talked about New Year’s resolutions and making the decision…

“Your gpa is below 2.0”, “Female LeBron”: Fans voice mixed reactions to Angel Reese’s lofty IG post

LSU Tigers superstar Angel Reese saw mixed reactions coming her way after he took to Instagram to post a lofty post. The 2023 NCAA champion has been…