Gordon-Levitt Replaces McAvoy in ‘Cancer’

Published by Jeff Leins on March 4, 2010

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has replaced James McAvoy in the untitled comedy formerly known as I’m With Cancer, which co-stars Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Anjelica Huston, Philip Baker Hall, and Bryce Dallas Howard.  Jonathan Levine (The Wackness) is directing.

Shooting started last month in Vancouver but, according to MTV, was temporarily halted when McAvoy stepped out of the lead role due to personal reasons.  A source for E! Online learned it may have been a family emergency and there have been rumors of an unfortunate death in his family.  Filming is expected to resume next week (March 8).

“It’s incredibly unfortunate that circumstances outside of everyone’s control have taken James away from the project, but with James’ blessing, we were able to have Joseph step in to take on the role of Adam,” Rogen said in a statement.  “We all look forward to working with James in the future.”

The “dramedy” is an adaptation of Will Reiser’s autobiographical novel “I’m With Cancer” about his cancer diagnosis at the age of 25 and how he coped with treatment by using humor.  The spec script landed on 2008’s Black List of most liked screenplays in Hollywood.

My interest in this movie just went up a notch.  Not that I have anything against the underrated McAvoy, but adding Gordon-Levitt is great casting.  Since “3rd Rock from the Sun,” he has reinvented himself with strong performances in several indie dramas.  (500) Days of Summer, Brick, and The Lookout to name a few.  Looking forward to seeing JGL own the part and hopefully more soon from McAvoy.