Joe Johnston replaces Mark Romanek as 'The Wolf Man' director

Washington, Feb 4 : Joe Johnston has replaced Mark Romanek as the director of the big-budget Universal Pictures' pic 'The Wolf Man'.

Romanek walked out of the deal following a dispute over the movie's 100 million dollar budget as well as creative issues.

Benicio Del Toro will be playing the lead role with Anthony Hopkins set to play his on-screen father. Emily Blunt has also signed on to play the female lead.

Universal is hoping to start work on the pic in March with a 2009 release on schedule, reports Variety.

Johnston, who helmed 'Hidalgo' and 'Jurassic Park III' will be directing from a script penned by Andrew Kevin Walker.

This is the second major disaster Universal has averted.

The first once came after Brad Pitt walked out of "State of Play". They saved the pic from falling apart after roping in Russell Crowe to replace Pitt.

ANI