Sienna Miller could have landed a big role opposite Johnny Depp in the movie "Black Mass" but things changed two weeks prior its U.S. playdate. The "American Sniper" actress was abruptly cut from the movie after it has been decided that the film will focus on the mobster's earlier life.
The Guardian notes that Miller is supposed to play the role of Catherine Greig, the long-time partner of Johnny Depp's Whitey Bulger. However, director Scott Cooper revealed that they have to chop off the 33-year-old English actress' part in the film at the last minute as it will shift its focus on the real-life mobster's early life.
He cited that Miller was fantastic for playing the role of Catherine. "It came down to narrative choices," he told the Boston Globe. However, the gangster's later years as a fugitive with Greig were seen by the filmmakers as "less dramatic."
The news appears to be disappointing for the actress, who, according to Fox News, has already bragged about her preparation in the said role. "Up until the day before I flew here, I couldn't do it and it sounded stupid," Miller revealed in one of her previous interviews. "And I was sort of religiously watching every film ever set in South Boston: 'Good Will Hunting,' 'Gone Baby Gone,' 'The Town.' Catherine had a thick accent, so I hope I do it justice."
The upcoming movie depicts the life of one of Boston's most powerful and ruthless gangster who was charged guilty of 11 murders. After playing hide-and-seek with the authorities for 16 years, he was finally sentenced to life in prison. In real life, Greig was detained to serve an eight-year prison sentence for assisting Whitey in his numerous violations.
"Black Mass" also features Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Dakota Johnson, Adam Scott, Joel Edgerton, and Corey Stoll. Warner Bros is set to release the film internationally on September 17 after its Toronto and Telluride play date. It debuts in U.K. on November 27.
This is not the first time the British actress encountered trouble in landing a role in Hollywood. She was supposed to play Maid Marion in "Robinhood" in 2009. However, the role was given to award-winning actress Cate Blanchett. Miller has not commented on the issue yet.
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