In The Eye Of The Storm: Kristen Stewart Pulls Out Of “Cali”

As fall out from recent revelations of Kristen Stewart’s liaison with Snow White and The Huntsman director Rupert Sanders, 41, continues to enthrall media attention — and just about everyone else’s — now comes more shocking news.

Following reports that the actress has pulled out of the London premiere of On The Road set for August 16, Variety have confirmed claims by Gossip Cop that Stewart has dropped out of her upcoming indie, actioner Cali.

Josh Dickey, film editor at Variety made this statement on Twitter,

“Variety can confirm web chatter that Kristen Stewart has dropped out of [Cali.] No reason given. Reports of a replacement are premature.”

There is, as yet, no official statement from Voltage Pictures or New School Media — the production companies behind Cali –– or Stewart’s representatives.

Despite Stewart’s exit, the recently cast Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike, I am Number Four) is reportedly still attached along with Nick Cassavetes (The Notebook, Alpha Dog, Unhook the Star) already locked in to direct.

Though dismissed by Variety as “premature,” it’s likely rumors that Amber Heard (The Ward, And Soon The Darkness, The Rum Diary) could replace Stewart in the role of Mya will continue to swirl.

Stewart’s shock departure is a double whammy for the actress, as the film would also have seen her executive produce for the first time. At last month’s Comic-Con in San Diego, when asked by MTV’s Josh Horowitz if she was prepping for Cali Stewart replied,

“Very much so… I’m talking to Nick [Cassavetes] everyday, just trying to figure it out.”

Stewart’s other releases this year; the Walter Salles’ directed version of Jack Kerouac’s beat opus On The Road, debuts in the UK on October 12 and December 21 in the U.S Also upcoming is The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 which hits theaters November 16.

Reportedly attached to the forthcoming adaptation of William Styron’s southern drama Lie Down In Darkness, final confirmation of Stewart for the role of “Peyton” is still pending. As for the already-in-the-works The Snow White and The Huntsman sequel, the helmer question still looms.

It’s likely today’s news will only increase speculation that the recent firestorm is taking a serious toll on the 22-year-old actress.

In light of Breaking Dawn director Bill Condon’s recent comments in EW calling for “respect” for Pattinson and Stewart, some — at least — have left room for another perspective.

Kristen Stewart talks Cali with MTV’s Josh Horowitz at last month’s Comic-Con.

UK trailer for On The Road.