Loncraine replaces Morgan on 'Relationship'

Peter Morgan has dropped out of directing The Special Relationship, the HBO Films/BBC Films project he scripted about the alliance forged between Tony Blair and Bill Clinton in the late '90s.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Morgan will remain "integrally involved in every aspect of the production" as writer and executive producer. Richard Loncraine (Firewall, Wimbledon) has replaced him in the director's chair.

Michael Sheen will play the former UK Prime Minister for the third time in The Special Relationship, joined by Dennis Quaid as Bill Clinton, Julianne Moore as Hillary Clinton and Helen McCrory as Cherie Blair.

The movie begins production in London on July 20.