Robert Pattinson needs a leading lady for new film role after Nicole Kidman dropped out.
The 23-year-old 'Twilight' sensation was due to star alongside Nicole Kidman, in 'Bel Ami' but the 42-year-old actress has had to drop out of the film due to scheduling conflicts.
A representative for Nicole confirmed yesterday (05.11.09) that her starring in the film was "categorically not happening".
In the film - based on a novel by the French author Guy de Maupasant - Robert will play a corrupt journalist who manipulates his rich lover to become one of the most powerful men in France.
Robert has previously described the character as "totally amoral" suggesting it is the antithesis of his well known character Edward Cullen in 'Twilight'.
Playing the lothario will also be a departure for Robert, as he has previously said in real life he finds it hard to get dates, as girls are only interested in his 'Twilight' character.
He said: "Girls scream out for Edward, not Robert. I still can't get a date."
'Bel Ami' is the first film project from Simon Fuller, the media mogul who created American Idol and was the brains behind the Spice Girls.
The film will shoot in London and Budapest from February 2010.
'Bel Ami' is one of several projects lined up for Robert, who appears in the next instalment in the 'Twilight' saga 'New Moon', which opens later this month.