The Hangover star was due to play Lucifer in a film adaptation of John Milton's classic poem, but the project has been scrapped due to budget issues, according to Deadline.com.

Legendary Pictures previously delayed the project, pushing shooting back from January until June this year in order to reduce the budget.

However, it seems the special effects needed to portray the war between heaven and hell proved too pricey and the company has now pulled the plug altogether.

As well as Bradley, Paradise Lost boasted an impressive cast list including Camilla Belle as Eve, Casey Affleck as the angel Gabriel and Djimon Hounsou as the angel of death.

The movie was to have been directed by Alex Proyas.