Will Smith in Talks to Replace Hugh Jackman in ‘Collateral Beauty’

Alex Stedman

Will Smith is in talks to take over Hugh Jackman’s lead role in “Collateral Beauty,” sources confirm to Variety.

Rooney Mara is also starring in the drama, set to be the next film from “Me & Earl & The Dying Girl” director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon. The story follows 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.

Jackman dropped out of the project last month due to scheduling conflicts with his Wolverine project for Fox, set to debut March 3, 2017. At the time, Johnny Depp was also being eyed to take on the role.

Gomez-Rejon is directing from Allan Loeb’s script. Palmstar and Likely Story acquired the rights to the script in June, with PalmStar fully financing.

Principal photography is set to start in the fall. Anonymous Content’s Michael Sugar and Bard Darros are producing along with Loeb, with Palmstar CEO Kevin Frakes and Anthony Bregman exec producing.

Smith was most recently seen in “Focus” alongside Margot Robbie, and will star as Deadshot in Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated DC Comics film “Suicide Squad.”

Related stories

Hugh Jackman Leaves Drama 'Collateral Beauty'

Jason Segel Circles 'Collateral Beauty' With Hugh Jackman, Rooney Mara (EXCLUSIVE)

Hugh Jackman, Rooney Mara Spec 'Collateral Beauty' Acquired by PalmStar Media

Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter