Robert Downey Jr. Skips "Cowboys and Aliens"

By our guest blogger, Matt Jussim

The super-busy Robert Downey Jr. has dropped out of the sci-fi western "Cowboys and Aliens," reports The LA Times.

According to the Times: Downey and his "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau were to team on the comic book adaptation in which aliens land in Arizona circa the mid-19th century intent on enslaving the local population--until a group of cowboys and Apache Indians fight back

Director Favreau remains attached, but with Downey off the project, DreamWorks is seeking a new hero to replace him. The main reason for the departure seems to be scheduling issues and has stirred up talk that a "Sherlock Holmes" sequel is on the fast track.

Downey was set to play the gunslinger Zeke Jackson, who leads the anti-alien revolt. Scheduling issues forced a re-think for the actor, who is one of the busiest in Hollywood.

The project would have marked a third potential franchise a resurgent Downey would have been involved with, after "Iron Man" and "Sherlock Holmes.

Although the studio is disappointed, I think this was a good move for Downey. With “Iron Man 2” being released this summer, along with “Due Date” later this year, 2010 will be a crazy one for the actor. Also with Marvel’s upcoming “Avengers” film, it’s probably good that Downey could get some extra rest.

Filming is scheduled to begin this year for a planned release Summer 2011.