George Clooney will replace Robert Downey Jr., for the male lead in Alfonso Cuaron's latest project Gravity, opposite Sandra Bullock. Clooney takes over for Downey due to scheduling problems.

Gravity focuses on a a female astronaut and her team leader stranded on a remote space station, following a satellite's exploding that eliminated her other team members. The main highlight of the story is the female heroine's attempt to return home and be reunited with her child.

The female lead in Gravity was initially offered to Angelina Jolie, but the actress turned it down to focus on her own directorial debut. Cuaron wanted Angelina since he was convinced that the film's success rest largely on the female lead. The Hollywood actress had proven herself as a box office draw in her most recent film, SALT.

According to reports, the female lead was also offered to Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz, who was approached after Angeline turned it down. Black Swan actress Natalie Portman was also reported to be considered for the role but she allegedly turned it down to star in Thor.

Sandra Bullock then signed on for the female lead. Bullock is fresh from her Oscar win for her turn in The Blind Side. Bullock has the remarkable feat to star in The Blindside. It is the first movie movie in history to pass the $200 million mark with only one top-billed female star.