Ryan Reynolds Replaces Jake Gyllenhaal In Mississippi Grind

Ryan Reynolds is set to replace Jake Gyllenhaal in Mississippi Grind, which tells the story of a “younger gambling addict who teams up with a down-on-his-luck gambler with crippling debt and takes a trip through the South with the hopes of winning back all that has been lost.”

Half-Nelson directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck are on board to write/direct and Ben Mendolsohn, the Australian actor who has been turning in some great supporting performances lately (Killing Them Softly, The Place Beyond The Pines), will be co-starring as the other gambler. No other casting has been announced yet.

With stinkers like Green Lantern, The Change-Up and Safe House littering his resume in recent years, the actor needs a hit. His next film, R.I.P.D. isn’t looking too hot either, so Mississippi Grind may be exactly what he needs. It sounds like a promising project and there’s some decent talent already attached. Hopefully it proves to be a winner.

Personally, I like Reynolds. He’s a charismatic and enjoyable to watch performer who I believe does have a lot of potential, he just doesn’t always end up with the best scripts. I also stick to my belief that the disaster that was Green Lantern was not his fault.

Tell us, what do you think of Ryan Reynolds starring in Mississippi Grind? Does the film sound interesting? Do you wish Jake Gyllenhaal had stayed on board instead? Let us know in the comments below.