Back in February, it was reported that Joel Edgerton and Jessica Chastain had signed on for what, to my ear, sounded like a fascinating effort: The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: His and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Hers, a project comprised of two, connected films, both of which are set to be helmed by Ned Benson.

My  curiosity was piqued by the mere layout of this experiment, which would cast both actors as the same characters in stand-alone pictures that, when combined, create the effect of “a fully, more complete look at these characters and their lives.” Each is shown from one respective viewpoint, while both chronicle the trials and tribulations of a NYC-based married couple, and how they handle “an emotional, life-altering experience”; the husband is a restaurant owner, while the wife has gone back to college.

I’m glad to say things are still going forward, but such news also comes with a replacement. Taking Edgerton‘s place in the two pictures will be James McAvoy, who’s locked to play Conor, the husband of Chastain‘s titular Eleanor. Now, some might have preferred our prior pairing, but — while I have no doubt that would have been terrific — we’re moving one strong option out of the way and, at the same time, are making room for another to step in. Things are still going just fine and, the more I hear about Eleanor Rigby, the more I await its release.

Myriad Pictures and Cassandra Kulukundis are producing, though a start date hasn’t been provided.

What do you think of this switch? Can you get behind the conceit of Eleanor Rigby?

Source: Deadline