Kate Winslet replaces pregnant Nicole Kidman in 'The Reader'

Posted Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 10:35 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

OMG! Nicole Kidman is, like, totally pregnant.

Sorry, for the crazy intro there. I've made a resolution to not talk like 15-year-old girl anymore in 2008. I've also resolved not to post any silly celebrity gossip on the site. But when that gossip bleeds over into movie work, it's fair game.

That's what happened with Nicole Kidman's casting in The Reader from director Stephen Daldry. She has dropped out of the role due to her pregnancy with hubbie Keith Urban.

Nic's role as Hanna Schmitz in the adaptation of the Bernhard Schlink novel has gone to Kate Winslet.

I must say, the project isn't missing anything. While Kidman is no slouch, Winslet is a much better actress. Everyone knows that. She's got five Academy Award nominations on her resume. Perhaps this role will lead to her first Oscar -- and she'll have Baby Urban to thank.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, shooting on the film should begin in February or March in time for a projected Dec. 12 release.

Ralph Fiennes is the male lead in the story of German shame for the Holocaust post World War II. This best-seller was an Oprah Winfrey Book Club selection.