Kate Winslet stepping in for Nicole Kidman in “The Reader”

When it was first reported that Nicole Kidman was dropping out of director Stephen Daldry’s post-World War II Germany drama “The Reader,” which she was supposed to start shooting this month, it really fueled the already circulating rumors she must be pregnant. Then yesterday’s admission (finally) came that Nicole Kidman is pregnant and everyone was happy except perhaps the movie producers for “The Reader” who I am sure were happy for Nicole but what of their high profile movie?  Well there seems to be a happy ending for all. Kate Winslet is happily stepping in to take over the role vacated by Nicole Kidman in The Reader.

Sources confirm that, in fact, Winslet was originally offered the role but couldn’t commit due to schedule conflicts. But the dates changed, Nicole got pregnant and now it has come back to Kate.

The arrangement is one of those rare last-minute casting changes that seems to benefit all parties involved. Nicole now has time to rest and focus on her exciting pregnancy, while Kate gets a substantial role in a sweeping World War II epic, that she and the filmmakers wanted to do together in the first place.

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