Fassbender replaces Pegg in 'Bastards'

Rex Features

Michael Fassbender is in final talks to star in Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Bastards.

According to Variety, Fassbender will play Lt. Archie Hicox, a role originally earmarked for Simon Pegg. The Hot Fuzz actor wrote on his website that he was forced to drop out of the movie due to "insurmountable scheduling difficulties".

Fassbender's screen credits include 300 and the upcoming Eden Lake.

Brad Pitt, Mike Myers and Eli Roth have been confirmed for the Inglorious Bastards cast, with Nastassja Kinski, David Krumholtz and B.J. Novak also linked with roles.