Brad Pitt has backed out of a Universal Pictures movie set to begin filming this year, a newspaper reported.

“State of Play” was to star Pitt as a political consultant-turned-journalist who helps investigate the death of a congressman’s mistress.

The actor left the production Wednesday, Hollywood trade paper Daily Variety reported on its Web site.

“Brad Pitt has left the Universal Pictures production of ‘State of Play,”‘ the studio said in a statement. “We remain committed to this project and to the filmmakers, cast members, crew and others who are also involved in making the movie. We reserve all rights in this matter.”

A message left early Friday for Pitt’s publicist, Cindy Guagenti, was not immediately returned.