When Mark Wahlberg was chatting about his upcoming projects during the press tour for "We Own the Night," he noted how he'd been training for almost a year to play boxer Mickey Ward opposite Brad Pitt in Darren Aronofsky's "The Fighter." Um, there's been a change of plans. One day before production is set to begin, Variety reports Wahlberg has replaced Ryan Gosling in the plum role of Jack Salmon, the grieving father in Peter Jackson's adaptation of "The Lovely Bones." Gosling had gained 20 pounds and grown a beard for the role but dropped out Friday over the always suspect "creative differences" (drama!). Wahlberg was offered the project this weekend and jumped at the chance to work with Jackson, best known for helming "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

For the upper echelon of Hollywood acting talent, "Bones" has become one of the most sought-after projects in town. Jackson, his wife Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens penned a wonderful adaptation of Alice Sebold's novel. The picture harks back to the type of intimate, dramatic work Jackson aptly handled in "Heavenly Creatures," the film that put him on the map. Saoirse Ronan, who is a strong contender for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her work in the upcoming "Atonement," plays the Salmons' daughter. Rachel Weisz plays Salmon's wife, and Susan Sarandon won the scene-stealing part of saucy Grandma Lynn.

This chance to work with Jackson is just another milestone in a career-defining year for Wahlberg. He received his first Oscar nomination for his role in "The Departed" in January and spent most of the summer filming M. Night Shyamalan's new thriller "The Happening" in Pennsylvania. Coincidentally, "Bones" will also shoot in the Keystone State, and after his portrayal of Philadelphia Eagle legend Vince Papale in "Invincible," Wahlberg may be one step closer to being awarded honorary residency.

As for Gosling, this is a surprising turn of events. After his own Oscar nomination for "Half Nelson," the leading role in "Bones" seemed to be the perfect next career step for the handsome and charismatic actor. Let's hope the dramatic exit doesn't scare other studios or directors off from working with him. At the very least, it allows him some free time to campaign and promote his great performance in "Lars and the Real Girl."

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