James McAvoy leaves Seth Rogen film

Summit Entertainment grabbed the opportunity to work with Seth Rogen of “Funny People” and James McAvoy of “Atonement” in an untitled comedy about cancer. The production company that brought audiences “Twilight” and “New Moon” and soon-to-be-released “Eclipse”, may regret the decision now that McAvoy has left the production.

The film previously known as “I’m With Cancer” was announced earlier this year and is based on the true story of a mild-mannered young man who has been diagnosed with cancer. The film is autobiographically written by Will Reiser who successfully beat the disease.

McAvoy was set to star along side Rogen, Bryce Dallace and Anna Kendrick (“Twilight” and “New Moon”). According to McAvoy’s representative, the star pulled out as a result of “unrelated circumstances beyond his control”. Media speculation has it that McAvoy rejected the million-dollar role because he didn’t want to miss the birth of his child with wife Anne-Marie Duff who is expecting later this year.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (of “3rd Rock from the Sun”) has stepped up to the plate to replace McAvoy in the film. Rogen says that the loss of McAvoy is incredibly unfortunate, but, with the Scottish star’s blessing, has managed to get Gordon-Levitt on board.

The film began shooting last week on 8 March.