Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling drop out of Focus, Ben Affleck joins the cast

Having seen CRAZY STUPID LOVE, I can attest that Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone had a ton of chemistry. That is way too much sexy for one movie. Luckily, they reteamed in the delayed GANGSTER SQUAD. But, it looks like they will not get a chance to complete the trifecta.

Both actors have dropped out of Glenn Ficarra and John Requa’s follow up, FOCUS, which Requa is going to direct. FOCUS is on the fast track at Warner Bros. and they have already found a new potential male lead: Ben Affleck. Affleck’s involvement is pending if the studio can find the right leading lady. With Affleck’s rep as high as it is, I am sure WB can entice someone to play his paramour.

FOCUS tells the story of a veteran con man who gets involved with a newcomer to the grifter business. They get involved romantically but that becomes perilous in a business where they lie and cheat for a living. The complications of the encounter haunt them when they meet up again in the future.

Sounds like a nice concept and hopefully doesn’t skew to much in the direction of a romantic comedy. Affleck has really hit his stride in recent years, eschewing the craptacular string of movies he was making in favor of more quality roles in front and behind the camera.

Who do you think would play a nice lead opposite Ben Affleck?