The lack of a leading man may sink Basic Instinct II, director David Cronenberg's sequel to the 1992 hit about the icepick-wielding sociopathic novelist played by Sharon Stone.
Both Michael Douglas, who starred in the original, and Robert Downey Jr. have turned down offers to appear in the sequel, Daily Variety reported Friday January 5.
Rehearsals were to begin in mid-February, with filming to start in March, said Variety.
But filmmakers can't agree on an actor to play a young shrink who comes in contact with Stone's character, the trade journal said, quoting "sources."
Stone signed last year for a reported salary of some 15 million dollars.
"Sharon is ready, willing and able to play the role," her manager, Chuck Binder, told Variety.
"She is in shape, she loves the screenplay and wants to make the movie," he said. "Basic Instinct is a huge part of her career, and she has really been looking forward to reprising the role.” – AFP.
