Daniel Craig Replaces Downey On "Cowboys"?

By our guest blogger,Matt Jussim

Collider reports that DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures are in discussions with James Bond star Daniel Craig for its comic book adaptation "Cowboys & Aliens."

If he signs, Craig would replace the just-departed Robert Downey Jr., who left the project due to scheduling issues. Jon Favreau ("Iron Man") remains attached to direct.

According to Collider: “As we reported on Monday, Robert Downey Jr. has dropped out of the adaptation of Scott Mitchell Rosenberg comic book series "Cowboys & Aliens." But now we are hearing through sources that Daniel Craig is in negotiations to replace him in the lead role of Zeke Jackson. Obviously, this would be very cool since it would be his first collaboration with Jon Favreau, who is directing the film from a script by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Damon Lindelof ("Lost").”

Craig would play Zeke Jackson, the lead character in a story about Apache Indians and Western settlers who must lay their differences aside when an alien spaceship crash lands in Silvery City, Arizona. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci ("Transformers," "Star Trek") adapted the script.

Lose one franchise actor, grab another.

Craig has the chance to step out of his James Bond shoes for a while and slip into his cowboy boots. I hope he does sign on to star, because he has proved he has the talent and screen presence to handle a big-budget adaptation.

Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Steven Spielberg and Scott Rosenberg will produce.

"Cowboys & Aliens" will be released sometime in 2011.