Director Tony Scott has left Touchstone Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer thriller DÉJÀ VU, reports VARIETY. Scotts spokesman states that the move is due to logistical and scheduling problems that were created by Hurricane Katrinas destruction of New Orleans, the films key location. Filming was set to begin today (Oct. 5, 2005).
Disney and Bruckheimer said they are moving ahead with the project and star Denzel Washington remains attached, pending approval of a script and director. With the various problems, the film is tentatively set to start shooting in mid- to late January.
Washington had signed onto the project so that he could work with Scott again as he did on CRIMSON TIDE and MAN ON FIRE. The story was originally set in San Francisco, but was moved to New Orleans to take advantage of a preexisting location and tax incentives. However, with Katrina wreaking havoc on the region, the film with have to move locations, which Disney said they would announce soon.
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