Deadline has broke the news that Michael K. Williams will no longer be part of Quentin Tarantino‘s Django Unchained. The actor best known for his role as Chalky White in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, had to depart the film due to scheduling conflicts.
Williams had originally tested for the lead role of Django but lost out to Jamie Foxx. After this, Tarantino developed a new character through re-writes. The role was described as “muscle for ranch owner Calvin Candie, who is played by Leonardo DiCaprio”. However, with Williams’ commitment to shooting the third season of Boardwalk Empire it looks as if the role will be scrapped.
It’s a shame Williams had to drop as I do enjoy his work. He may not be too well known, but he’s a fine actor who has given some solid performances.
Django Unchained stars Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Kerry Washington, Sacha Baron Cohen, Don Johnson, Dennis Christopher, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anthony LaPaglia and will be in cinemas on December 25th, 2012.