Gosling denies Jackson sacking reports

Peter Jackson

Ryan Gosling has denied reports that he was fired from Peter Jackson's new movie Lovely Bones because he was too "demanding".

The 26-year-old said his young age was behind the decision to replace him in the film, which is based on the book by Alice Sebold.

Mark Wahlberg has since signed up to play grieving father Jack Salmon, whose daughter is raped and murdered.

PageSix had quoted a source as claiming that Jackson "couldn't stand" Gosling, saying: "He was so demanding. Peter booted him two days before filming started."

But the Notebook star said he believes Wahlberg, 36, is a better choice for the role, telling Parade magazine: "The age of the character versus my real age was always a concern of mine. Peter and I tried to make it work and ultimately it just didn't.

"I think the film is much better off with Mark Wahlberg in that role. Peter Jackson is an incredible filmmaker and I'm here to tell you that he has things up his sleeve that are going to blow people's minds. I'm going to be the first person in line to buy tickets."