Helen Mirren replaces Bette Midler in HBO's Phil Spector biopic...

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Helen Mirren has replaced Bette Midler in HBO Films’ Phil Spector telefilm.

Midler was forced to bow out of the project, written and directed by David Mament, as it was already in production after suffering a herniated disc that may require surgery.

Oscar-winner Mirren (The Queen) will play Linda Kenney Braden, a defense attorney who represented the producer during his first trial for murder, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Al Pacino will play Spector.

Barry Levinson will executive produce alongside Mamet and Pacino. The cast includes “Arrested Development’s” Jeffrey Tambor, who will play Bruce Cutler, an attorney on Spector’s defense team.

Mirren won an Emmy in 2005 for HBO’s miniseries “Elizabeth I;” her television work also includes her Emmy-winning performance in the 2006 telefilm Prime Suspect 7: The Final Act, where she reprised her role as Detective Jane Tennison.

NBC is rebooting the “Prime Suspect” series this fall with Maria Bello stepping into the role made famous by Mirren.

Phil Spector Bald Mug Shot

What do you get when you take the wigs off of flamboyant killer Phil Spector?

A creepy looking 69-year-old killer ready to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Spector was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2003 death of actress Lana Clarkson at his castle in Alhambra.

He is being processed and evaluated at North Kern State Prison before being sent to his final prison destination. Regulations prohibit wigs and hairpieces unless they are deemed medically necessary.
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