Television shows aren’t the only things suffering because of the writer’s strike. Though they’re impacted in a much more immediate sense (the lag time between when a show is written and when we see it on TV is a lot shorter than with a movie) the film industry is also suffering. Not only are scripts not being written, but rewrites can’t be done for movies that are in (or near) the filming process. One movie that’s suffered is the adaptation of the BBC series “State of Play” which was to star Brad Pitt. But Brad has grown so disillusioned with the current script – which can’t be rewritten – that he’s walked out on the film, leaving everyone in the lurch and potentially exposing himself to litigation.

Brad Pitt is facing possible legal action after quitting his new film amid script concerns. Pitt was set to join Dame Helen Mirren, Edward Norton, Robin Wright Penn and Rachel McAdams in a big-screen adaptation of hit BBC series State of Play. In recent weeks, the heartthrob actor had been in a series of meetings with director Kevin MacDonald over the script, which cannot be worked on at the moment due to the current Hollywood writers strike.

Sources say Pitt, 43, was unhappy the movie did not follow his vision and his sudden departure has left the film’s schedule in limbo. Filming was set to begin on November 15. U.S. reports claim Universal Studios are considering their legal options and may even sue the actor. Hollywood trade paper Variety reports Universal would have the option to sue Pitt if they cannot find a suitable replacement.

A statement from Universal reads: “Brad Pitt has left the Universal Pictures production of State of Play. We remain committed to this project and to the filmmakers, cast members, crew and others who are also involved in making the movie. We reserve all rights in this matter.”

[From the Daily Mail]

The script must be really bad for Brad to walk out on his contract like that. Not only could he possibly get sued, but it will certainly sully any future negotiations with Universal. And it doesn’t make him look very professional. Though to be fair, putting out a bad movie wouldn’t help his career, so he probably weighed his options and figured leaving the project was the least damaging route to take. At first I was a little surprised that the script – which one would assume was written by British writers – couldn’t be worked on because of the Hollywood strike. But several other writer’s guilds aren’t working on any projects involving US productions as a show of solidarity. Something tells me no matter what happens, not much could hurt Brad’s career at this point.

Picture note by Celebitchy: Brad Pitt is shown at the Beowulf movie premiere in London on 11/11/07, thanks to PRPhotos.