Javier Bardem 86s His Role in Nine

Javier Bardem has bowed out of Nine, the musical based on the Federico Fellini film 8½.

Bardem told director Rob Marshall he is too exhausted from projects and awards season and wants to take a break from acting for up to a year.

He initially signed onto the musical last year, but the start of production was delayed due to the writers' strike.

Bardem was slated to star as Guido Contini, a film director who tries to balance his work with a bevy of women and numerous personal crises.

Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren are already signed to star in the show. - J.R. Whalen