MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. casting: Tom Cruise is out, Henry Cavill is in

Tom Cruise was in serious consideration for being cast as lead for the upcoming "Man from U.N.C.L.E." film adaptation of the popular 60's spy series of the same title, to be directed by Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Sherlock Holmes). Now Cruise is off the project, and in his absence, Henry Cavill, who we will be seeing this June as the new Superman, will be replacing Cruise for the role. Also cast in this project are Armie Hammer who will co-star, and Alicia Vikander plays the film’s female lead. [read the rest of the article after the jump]

According to reports, Cruise decided to leave U.N.C.L.E. in order to focus his efforts on producing and starring in Mission: Impossible 5, which he wants to get in front of cameras before the end of the year.  The M:I franchise is Cruise’s baby and he has always been heavily involved in the development, planning, and production of each film.  As such, it would be, well, implausible for him to prep for and shoot The Man from U.N.C.L.E. later this fall while also remaining hands-on in all things Mission: Impossible 5 before that film goes in front of cameras.

This project has gone through a long time in development hell. At one point, Steven Soderbergh was attached to direct with George Clooney set to star.  When they left for various reasons – Clooney cited health issues – the project seemed to stall. But now, the project is looking for a 2013 start of production.

Henry Cavill completes the main leading cast of the movie, with Armie Hammer on the co-lead, the movie looks very promising. Both actors are looking forward to upcoming movies that might boost them to superstardom. Cavill has his upcoming Man of Steel; while Hammer, his upcoming Lone Ranger. And with a director like Guy Ritchie on the helm, bets are high that this will be a hit.