Director Romanek leaves Wolf Man

Mark Romanek made his name as a music video director

Director Mark Romanek has left horror remake The Wolf Man weeks before filming was due to start.

Romanek, 48, who directed 2002's One Hour Photo, was to have headed up the remake of the 1941 horror classic.

BBC News understands crew members have already been told about the director's depature from the film, starring Benicio del Toro.

Industry paper Hollywood Reporter said his departure from the film was due to a row over its budget.

Universal told Hollywood Reporter: "Romanek leaves behind a well-prepped production that is poised to move forward and Universal thanks him for helping bring one of its most cherished legacies and characters to renewed life."

A spokesperson at the film's production office in Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, was not available for comment.

Werewolf bite

Any new director will not be able to alter the screenplay - written by Se7en scribe Andrew Kevin Walker - because of the Hollywood writers' strike.

Sir Anthony Hopkins and The Devil Wears Prada star Emily Blunt will appear alongside Del Toro, who starred in The Usual Suspects and Traffic.

The original Wolf Man film tells the story of Welshman Larry Talbot, who returns to his homeland from the US.

Back in Wales, he is bitten by a werewolf before becoming one himself every time there is a full moon.

As well as directing One Hour Photo - starring Robin Williams - Romanek is best known for making music videos.

He has made videos for stars including Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Weezer and Red Hot Chili Peppers.