Geoffrey Rush May Have to Climb Down From Eucalyptus

By James Wray Oct 25, 2004, 9:25 GMT

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Geoffrey Rush may have to pull out of Eucalyptus due to conflicts with his other commitments. This all stems from the movie being delayed, news which M&C broke earlier this month.

"It is scheduled to be filmed in January, which has created a timing conflict for the film's third major star and another Oscar winner, Geoffrey Rush, who may be forced to withdraw.

Rush has already committed to Australian film Candy, which is being made at the same time and will star Abbie Cornish and Heath Ledger and be directed by Kidman's close friend Neil Armfield. Rush is also scheduled to take part in the Hollywood blockbuster sequel Pirates Of The Caribbean 2, starring Johnny Depp.

"Fox Searchlight is currently working with Geoffrey to see whether his schedule can be changed to incorporate Eucalyptus," said a source close to the film. "But it looks as though they may be having some problems, given he is already committed to those other projects early next year."

Rush was planning to film his role in Eucalyptus this month, but the production went into a three-month hiatus when director Jocelyn Moorhouse decided to extend the search for her leading lady after Cornish dropped out. Kidman signed on for the main role of Ellen last week.

While Kidman and Crowe are close friends, they have never worked together.

Rush was to play Kidman's father, a single parent who worries his daughter will never find a suitable husband. Crowe plays her suitor, who must correctly name every species of gum tree on her father's rural property to win his approval and the bride."

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