Sweethearts Deal: Azaria May Replace Downey

ByABC News
December 8, 2000, 8:10 PM

December 8 -- This could sting: Actor Hank Azaria is in talks to replace Robert Downey Jr. in the upcoming comedy America's Sweethearts. Downey was to be the lucky guy portraying Catherine Zeta-Jones' lover.

The film is scheduled to begin shooting just two weeks after Downey faces his arraignment hearing for drug charges stemming from his Nov. 25 arrest in Palm Springs, Calif. The actor could be sent back to jail if he is convicted, which jeopardizes his role in Sweethearts, not to mention his recurring role on Fox's Ally McBeal.

Sweethearts director Joe Roth recently told People, "We don't want to hurt [Downey] in any way, but we have to figure out what we'll do for our movie." A New York Times article also noted that it may have been difficult to get the high-risk actor insured for the film.

The romantic flick centers on a film junket gone awry, as a studio attempts to fool the press into believing that America's beloved husband-and-wife acting couple (played by John Cusack and Zeta-Jones) are in love even though they despise one another.

Billy Crystal, who co-wrote the script with Peter Tolan, will play a powerful publicist attempting to spotlight his A-list duo's new film despite their nasty public breakup. In an effort to divert media attention, a reunion of the two actors is planned.

Seth Green plays the young flak being groomed to one day replace Crystal's character, while Julia Roberts will portray Zeta-Jones' sister.

Azaria's recent feature credits include Cradle Will Rock and Mystery, Alaska.