The Oscar-winning 'Chicago' actress was due to play Claudia - the muse of film director Guido Contini in 'Nine' the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical - but pulled out after director Rob Marshall allegedly refused to make her role bigger.

The Welsh actress was due to star alongside Javier Bardem as Guido, Sophia Loren as Guido's mother and Penelope Cruz as his mistress Carla.

A source said: "Catherine asked if writer Michael Tolkin could enlarge her part, but Rob politely told her the script couldn't be changed so dramatically.

"It's an ensemble story. It always has been."

However, an insider close to the 38-year-old star has denied the claims, saying: "She was never 100 per cent committed to 'Nine'. She had a meeting with Rob. She'd love to work with him again. But she felt she'd done the same sort of role in 'Chicago'. The script wasn't an issue."

Marshall is said to be looking for a slightly younger actress to play Claudia. Among those being considered are Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Liv Tyler, Keira Knightley and Kate Hudson.

He is recently said to have left Katie Holmes "heartbroken" when he refused to give her a part in the film.

(C) BANG Media International

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