Lucy Punch Replaces Kidman in Woody Allen Flick

The largely unknown British actress Lucy Punch has landed the part once intended for Nicole Kidman in Woody Allen’s next movie after Whatever Works.

Punch’s role is said to be modeled on Ashley Dupree, the top-dollar hooker who former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer notoriously patronized last year. The movie, which is set in London, will also star Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Naomi Watts and Slumdog Millionaire’s Freida Pinto. Kidman dropped out because of scheduling issues.

Punch also appeared in Hot Fuzz and one of the faux trailers in Grindhouse.