The British star was reportedly signed up to play the lead opposite Rooney Mara in Beatty's upcoming Howard Hughes biopic, his first project as a director in 13 years.

But now Garfield has cancelled his part as a result of scheduling difficulties, reports New York Post gossip column Page Six.

A source tells the publication, ""They're losing Andrew. He's jumping ship. Now it's back to the drawing board (for casting). Warren's movie couldn't get its start date together, and was taking a long time to get going.""

Garfield is thought to have dropped out of the movie due to his commitment to Broadway stage show Death of a Salesman.