Giamatti cast as Larry in 'Three Stooges'

Paul Giamatti will replace Sean Penn in the cast of the Farrelly Brothers' Three Stooges.

MGM's big screen revival of the comedy troupe was initially going to star Penn, Jim Carrey and Benicio Del Toro as Larry, Curly and Moe respectively. Del Toro remains on board the project, while Penn departed citing personal reasons and contract talks with Carrey fell through.

Peter Farrelly told The Boston Globe that he has secured Giamatti for the movie, but is still seeking an actor to step in to play Curly.

Giamatti, who was Oscar-nominated for Cinderella Man, has also appeared in Sideways and Duplicity.