Normally when a director gets replaced on a project it’s because the studio doesn’t like the direction a film is going or because there have been major disagreements going on. It’s always far more unfortunate when it has to happen due to illness.

Curtis Hanson (LA Confidential) has been shooting Of Men and Mavericks in Northern California, and while it’s scheduled to wrap production early next month, a new director will be at the helm. Michael Apted is filling in for director Curtis Hanson for the last 15 days of principal photography, starting on Monday.

According to Deadline, Hanson recently experienced complications from a heart surgery, which leaves him incapable of finishing the production. It isn’t known if Michael Apted will oversee post-production as well, or when Curtis Hanson is expected to fully recover.

Of Men and Mavericks stars newcomer Jonny Weston as surfing legend Jay Moriarty, who conquered the treacherous Northern California waves known as the ‘Mavericks’. Gerard Butler is Rick ‘Frosty’ Hesson, Moriarty’s mentor, who taught him how to ride the formidable waves. The film is due out next autumn, so hopefully Hanson will recover soon and be able to have plenty of input before it gets to cinemas.

General movie news courtesy of Movie Muser