Gerard Butler Gives Up His Escape from New York Stint

From now on, New Line Cinema has to look for a new actor to play Snake Plissken in its "Escape from New York." That's simply because Gerard Butler is no longer joining the project to portray the role.

Sad to say, but it's happening for real, Variety has just brought in a report that the "300" star has taken decision to quit the action flick, a remake of John Carpenter's 1981 movie of the same name. Reason for his departure is described to be of creative differences, which are not further explained.

New Line, on the other hand, has already picked up Jonathan Mostow to work on a script rewrite with an option for him to also direct, filling in the seat left by "Underworld" helmer Len Wiseman. Mostow, a native of Woodbridge, Connecticut, last directed 2003's "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" and currently is signed for four future film projects namely "Swiss Family Robinson", "Real Steel", "The Surrogates", and "Sub-Mariner."