Richard Dreyfuss has abruptly pulled out of the London production of The Producers only days before opening night, citing the toll the physical aspects of the role was taking on his body. Another possible explanation for his departure may be that Dreyfuss had drawn the ire of his co-stars when, in a recent interview, he “[joked] that the lavish production of Mel Brooks’ Broadway smash hit was not yet fit for public consumption.” Nathan Lane, who played the role to great acclaim on Broadway, will step in until January.