Bridges Replacing Galifianakis in “R.I.P.D.”

It's not often you can replace a short fat hairy guy with an Oscar winner, but if the opportunity presents itself...

Jeff Bridges is in talks to join Ryan Reynolds in the cops-from-the-great-beyond comedy "R.I.P.D.," reported Deadline. The film is being directed by Robert Schwentke ("R.E.D."--he only adapts comics whose titles are acronyms) and based on the comic book of the same name.

"R.I.P.D." ("Rest In Peace Department") has Reynolds set to star as Nick Cruz, a cop murdered in the line of duty who agrees to join God's police force in return for a chance to catch his killer, with Bridges taking over the role of his partner, a veteran of the force dating back to the 19th Century.

Zach Galifianakis had originally planned to take the role, but bailed because of scheduling concerns. Swapping out Galifiankis for Bridges may seem odd at first blush, but the truth us that it's not Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski is nod doubt among Galifianakis' ancestors.

"R.I.P.D." is due to hit sometime in 2012, but that seems a bit ambitious.

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