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Shia LaBeouf replaced by Ben Foster in Orphans

Feb 21, 2013, 22:03 GMT

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf been replaced by Ben Foster in 'Orphans'.

The 'Lawless' actor was due to make his Broadway debut alongside Alec Baldwin in the production - which tells the tale of two orphaned brothers who grow to regard a gangster they attempt to kidnap as a father figure - but he parted ways with the show after a week of rehearsals, leading to 'Alpha Dog' actor Ben taking over the role of Treat.

Producers Frederick Zollo and Robert Cole told Broadwayworld.com on Thursday (21.02.13): 'We are delighted that Ben will join Alec Baldwin and Tom Sturridge when rehearsals commence at 'Orphans' tomorrow morning. He is an extraordinarily gifted actor.'

It was initially claimed Shia left the project due to 'creative differences' but in an apparent attempt to deny he had been involved in any such 'differences', Shia took to Twitter to post a series of emails exchanged between himself, Alec and the production's director Dan Sullivan.

The message from Dan read: 'I'm too old for disagreeable situations. You're one hell of a great actor. Alec is who he is. You are who you are. You two are incompatible. I should have known it. This one will haunt me. You tried to warn me. You said you were a different breed. I didn't get it.'

The 'Transformers' star then posted the email he sent Alec, which was entitled 'apology' and read: 'A man can tell you he was wrong ... He can apologise, even if sometimes its just to put an end to the bickering. Alec, I'm sorry for my part of a disagreeable situation.'

Alec's response read: 'I've been through this before. It's been a while. And perhaps some of the particulars are different. But it comes down to the fact that what we all do now is critical. Perhaps especially for you.'

'I don't have an unkind word to say about you. You have my word.'

The email was accompanied by Shia's return message: 'Same. be well. good luck on the play. you'll be great. (sic)'