After months of much speculation, Charlie Sheen's 'Two and a Half Men' replacement has finally been selected and it's not Hugh Grant. CBS and Warner Bros. Television confirmed on Friday that
Ashton Kutcher has landed the plum role of the lead star in CBS's comedy hit.
"I can't wait to get to work with this ridiculously talented 2.5 team and I believe we can fill the stage with laughter that will echo in viewers' homes," Kutcher said in press release about the move. "I can't replace Charlie Sheen but I'm going to work my ass off to entertain the hell out of people!"
Chuck Lorre, creator and executive producer of the show, also chimed with praise for the film and TV star. "We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family," Lorre said in the CBS-Warner Bros' annnouncement. "Added to that is the deep sigh of relief knowing that our family stays together. If I was any happier, it'd be illegal."
The Hollywood Reporter was first to report the casting on Thursday night. Sources also said Kutcher is set to get a "huge payday" for joining the show, but no word on the actual amount. According to TMZ sources, Kutcher will be making between $625,000 - $900,000 per episode. Sheen's base salary was $1.25 million an episode.
Kutcher added fuel to the casting fire Thursday night, when he cryptically tweeted, "What's the square root of 6.25?" The answer, it turns out, is 2.5.
In the casting announcement, WB TV boss Peter Roth called Kutcher a "big-time talent whose unique style will blend seamlessly with Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones and the rest of this terrific ensemble."
'Two and a Half Men' producer and Charlie Sheen-nemesis, Chuck Lorre, has reportedly put together a clever storyline for Kutcher. "It's really funny," one source said. "People are going to love it."
The role will mark Kutcher's first regular series acting gig since his star-making turn on 'That 70's Show.' The 33-year-old actor has been doing movies and executive producing TV shows like MTV's 'Punk'd' since the FOX series ended in 2006.
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