James Franco was meant to play a cold-blooded assassin in “The Iceman”, but has now pulled out for financial reasons, according to Just Jared.

The movie is to be based on the Anthony Bruno book “The Iceman: The True Story of a Cold-Blooded Killer”, based on real life hitman Richard Kuklinski- affectionately known as ‘The Iceman’.

Franco would have played his mentor assassin, alongside Michael Shannon in the title role. Maggie Gyllenhaal was rumoured to play the role of The Iceman’s wife.

There’s speculation now the film will fall apart, which is a shame- it sounds like a really intruiging film, with a potentially great cast.

Would you watch “The Iceman”, with or without James Franco?