Daniel Craig to replace Robert Downey Jr. in sci-fi western

Daniel Craig is considering putting 007 aside to play a gunslinger in Cowboys and Aliens, an adaptation of the graphic novel from Platinum Studios. Robert Downey Jr, who had been on board, has just dropped out of the film. Some sources speculate that he will be busy shooting a possible Sherlock Holmes sequel.

The story, set in the Old West, involves cowboys and Indians at battle, interrupted by a spaceship with new space-age artillery.

Jon Favreau ( Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Couples Retreat) is the director. Ron Howard and Brian Grazer of Imagine will produce along with Steven Spielberg, and the Transformers' team writing the script.

Craig worked with Spielberg on Munich and the upcoming The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn.

RC