Ben Stiller replacing Mark Ruffalo in drama

By Steven Zeitchik

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Ben Stiller is set to replace Mark Ruffalo on "Greenburg," a comedy-drama from indie filmmaker Noah Baumbach.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the story is expected to center on the intimacies of relationships in the manner of Baumbach's other films, such as "The Squid and the Whale."

Amy Adams was set to star opposite Ruffalo, but she, too, is said to have fallen off; talks are being held with a number of other actresses.

No reason was disclosed for the actors' departures. Ruffalo's brother, Scott, died in Beverly Hills last week. A woman told investigators he shot himself playing Russian roulette.

"Greenburg" is being shopped to the specialty divisions of several studios, with Universal's Focus Features division one of the companies discussing a potential financing and distribution role.

The Stiller move would mark a turn toward drama for the actor, who has also discussed directing "The Trials of the Chicago 7" for DreamWorks.

Baumbach recently directed the family drama "Margot at the Wedding," and also penned the screenplay for Wes Anderson's upcoming "The Fantastic Mr. Fox."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter