Macdonald happy for Pitt to quit

Director Kevin Macdonald is glad Brad Pitt pulled out of upcoming movie State Of Play - because the Hollywood star is too good-looking to play the role.

Pitt was originally due to star in the big-screen thriller as a put-upon journalist - but the actor quit during pre-production, citing concerns with the script.

Russell Crowe was drafted in as a late replacement to star opposite Ben Affleck's congressman - and Macdonald is adamant the actor's rough features are more suited to the role.

He says, "In a way, I was lucky it didn't work out with Brad. The relationship between the journalist and the politician was meant to be between somebody who feels inferior, who's a bit of a schlump, who kind of can't get a girlfriend, and somebody he's looking up to and admires - his polished politician friend.

"That is not the dynamic of a Brad Pitt. He's not looking up to anyone thinking 'Oh, I wish I could have your girlfriend'."

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