Connery pullout sparks retirement rumours

Actor Sean Connery has pulled out of his latest movie, prompting speculation the Scottish star may be ready to retire.

Connery pulled out of the film Josiah's Canon and movie bosses are scrambling to find a replacement after Connery's surprise departure. Filming is due to begin in Prague in February.

The actor's spokesman says the Scottish actor pulled out so he can concentrate on writing his memoirs, but it hasn't stopped Hollywood insiders speculating the former Bond star is planning to give up the movie business.

Trade publication Daily Variety claimed Connery has lost a lot of his enthusiasm because of the tribulations involved in making big-budget studio films, capped by a bad experience while shooting The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.