Christian Bale Drops Out of ‘Ferrari’ Movie Due to Health Concerns

Christian Bale has dropped out of Michael Mann’s “Enzo Ferrari” movie over health concerns, Variety has learned.

Sources say the reason for his exit is tied to health concerns over the weight gain required to play the role of the iconic car maker. Bale began the weight gain process for Ferrari he felt necessary, but couldn’t safely be ready in time for Spring, 2016.

Mann will now work quickly to tap a new actor to play the role as production is set to start later this spring.

Vendian Entertainment and YooZoo Bliss Film Fund are financing the project, which plans to shoot this summer in Italy. YooZoo Pictures will distribute “Enzo Ferrari” in China.

“Enzo Ferrari” — set in 1957 — tells the personal, intimate story of a passionate man and his sprawling world, at times hilarious and at the next moment devastating, as he faces a brutal challenge to his survival.

The script was written by Troy Kennedy-Martin, and revised by David Rayfiel and Mann. It’s based on Brock Yates’ book “Enzo Ferrari, The Man, The Cars, The Races.”

Bale is repped by WME and was just nominated for an Oscar his role in Paramount’s financial drama “The Big Short.” The news was first reported by Deadline Hollywood.

Source: Variety