Horror flick 'loses Juno actress'

Juno actress Ellen Page has dropped out of the star role in a horror movie due to scheduling problems, according to industry reports.

Page, who was nominated for best actress at the Oscars, is unable to appear in Drag Me to Hell after its start date was moved, Variety said.

Some films are being rescheduled to avoid possible strike action by actors.

The trade paper added that Page had signed up to a number of other projects since her profile was raised by Juno.

New contracts

The production companies responsible for Drag Me to Hell, directed by Sam Raimi, told Variety: "We were racing to start production so that we could accommodate Ellen's schedule.

"But like so many other productions trying to start before the potential Screen Actors Guild strike date, this one needed more time, and we had to push back the start of production."

Stars including George Clooney and Meryl Streep recently urged Screen Actors Guild leaders to start negotiations for new contracts in a bid to avert industrial action.

Current contracts are due to expire on 30 June.

Page will next be seen in Smart People, starring alongside Dennis Quaid and Sarah Jessica Parker, which is due for release in the US next month.

Via bbc.co.uk