Written by Nicole Pedersen

Bardem was to play the lead (and distinctly Fellini-esque) role of Guido Contini, a famed film director who sings his way through a mid-life crisis involving several of the women in his life. Still on board the Weinstein Co. production are Marion Cotillard and Penelope Cruz, while Nicole Kidman and Dame Judi Densch are still "in talks" for their roles.

Before we assume that the script sucks or that Bardem found out he couldn't sing or dance, let's hear why Javier says he dropped out of the film. According to Variety, the actor is just burned out from awards season and may take as long as a year to recharge his batteries – I could make a "No Country" stun-gun joke here but I'm resisting.

Man, who knew that walking the red carpet and being lavished with praise and attention was so tiring? Not to doubt Bardem, who is relatively new to all of this love – American Style – but, mayhaps the screenplay is sub-par after all? "Nine" has already been postponed once for script "refinements," who knows when they will get up and dancing without their leading man. I wonder if George Clooney can sing.  

Get well soon cards for Javier Bardem may be sent here.