Matthew Vaughn leaves 'X-3'

Vaughn walks from the big-budget blockbuster due to family reasons, and the race is now on to find a replacement.

Jun  1 2005

Just nine weeks before principal photography was due to start on the new 'X-Men' film, Matthew Vaughn has sensationally quit the production.

In a statement released yesterday, 20th Century Fox revealed that the director had walked from 'X-3' due to family reasons.

'As the shooting schedule evolved,' the studio said, 'He realised he would have to move to Los Angeles and Vancouver for at least a year. Not wishing to uproot his family for an extended period, Vaughn opted to depart the production.'

The 'Layer Cake' director is the second helmer to have left the production following Bryan Singer's departure to work on the equally high-profile summer blockbuster 'Superman Returns' last year.

The pressure is now on to find a replacement, particularly as the X-cast is locked down and a May 26, 2006 release date has already been announced.

Fox President Hutch Parker said that the studio was fully committed to remaining right on schedule however, and added that there were no hard feelings towards the British director. As Parker put it: 'We understand Matthew's reasons for leaving, as nothing is more important than family.'

Rest assured we'll bring you news of the new director as and when an announcement is made.