J.Lo Walks Away from Sue Ellen Ewing Role

Jennifer Lopez has backed out of playing Sue Ellen Ewing in New Regency’s and 20th Century Fox's big screen remake of 80’s hit show Dallas. Lopez's press rep, Leslie Sloane Zelnick, confirmed the story to news outlets, but did not elaborate. She was set to play the boozy matriarch; still in the film are John Travolta - who will play oil baron J.R. Ewing, Luke Wilson will play Bobby and Shirley MacLaine will play Miss Ellie. Katie Cassidy beat out Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears for the role of blonde bombshell Lucy. As for the role of Pamela -- Marcia Cross has begun negotiations to play the role. Casting has been riddled with controversy – in March director, Director Robert Luketic abruptly quit the big screen remake because he was unhappy with some of the casting choices. Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham) signed on to direct the feature after Luketic’s departure. The feature is still in pre-production; shooting for Dallas is set to begin in November for a 2007 release.