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William Hurt Is Withdrawing From Midnight Rider

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 02: Actor William Hurt attends the A+E Premiere Party for Bonnie & Clyde at Heath at the McKittrick Hotel on December 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for A+E)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 02: Actor William Hurt attends the A+E Premiere Party for Bonnie & Clyde at Heath at the McKittrick Hotel on December 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for A+E) Photo: Stephen Lovekin/2013 Getty Images

William Hurt is withdrawing from his starring role in the Gregg Allman biopic Midnight Rider, Deadline has confirmed. Director Randall Miller has been looking to re-start production after shooting was halted following the tragic death of camera assistant Sarah Jones on February 20. Jones died in a train crash that injured seven others while on set in Georgia. Friends and colleagues of Jones have called for a crew boycott of the film, and there are multiple state and federal investigations looking into possible negligence. Hurt’s exit adds further uncertainty to whether Miller will be able to revive the controversial project.

William Hurt Withdrawing From Midnight Rider