[Locke.]

It’s official: Ashton Kutcher has replaced Charlie Sheen as the star of CBS’ Two and a Half Men.

Kutcher joins returning stars Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones, Holland Taylor, Marin Hinkle and Conchata Ferrell on the top-rated series, which will be back on the air next fall. Production starts this summer.

“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,” said Kutcher in a statement. “I can’t replace Charlie Sheen but I’m going to work my ass off to entertain the hell out of people!”

Kutcher will reportedly earn nearly $1 million an episode to join the hit series. It’s not clear whether the salary includes any backend profits from reruns but it’s still hundreds of thousands more than what any A-list star would earn to join a show.

“We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family,” said Chuck Lorre, creator and executive producer of the show. “Added to that is the deep sigh of relief knowing that our family stays together. If I was any happier, it’d be illegal.”

“Ashton is a pop culture triple threat—film star, cutting-edge producer and a social media pioneer,” added Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. “He brings creativity, energy and personality to everything he touches. We are thrilled to have him, and excited beyond words for what he brings to the next season of Two and a Half Men.”

“Ashton Kutcher brings a new and distinctive comedic flavor to ‘Two and a Half Men,’” said Peter Roth, President, Warner Bros. Television. “He is a big-time talent whose unique style will blend seamlessly with Jon Cryer, Angus T.
Jones and the rest of this terrific ensemble. We look forward to a great future for this revamped and reenergized show, helmed as always by the extraordinary Chuck Lorre, whose creative skills and consummate professionalism make him the best in the business.”

[Locke.]

Is Ashton Kutcher taking over for Charlie Sheen, or are we being punk’d?

Kutcher is the latest rumored name to surface as a possible new star of CBS’ Two and a Half Men, says trade publication B&C. CBS and Warner Bros. are hustling to find a suitable big-name comedic star to replace Sheen since the clock is ticking until the network’s upfront presentation to advertisers next week.

If Kutcher lands the role, it would mark his return to the sitcom world where he first broke through on That ’70s Show.

Hugh Grant was in talks for the role, and he could have been a great choice, but the Brit dropped out. WB, huddled in meetings readying for the upfronts, had no comment.

[Shaun]

Kutcher > Grant.

Not sure why I mind though - the show's ****

[Locke.]

I like both of them, don't think the show will be as good as it was though because it is basically just about Charlie's character and the rest just back up the storylines.. might aswell just end it

[Locke.]

The actor is putting final touches on a deal to replace Charlie Sheen on television's No. 1 comedy.

Ashton Kutcher appears to have won the Two and a Half Men sweepstakes.

Two sources close to the deal-making tell The Hollywood Reporter that the actor is putting the final touches on a deal to replace Charlie Sheen as the star of TV’s No. 1 comedy. CBS, studio Warner Bros. and Kutcher’s reps at CAA declined to comment on the situation but a deal is said to be all but signed. The exact dollar figure he will be paid is not known but a source says Kutcher is getting a “huge payday” to join the hit sitcom.

The deal came together quickly in the wake of Hugh Grant passing on the opportunity to join the show. Now sources say Men creator Chuck Lorre has crafted a storyline to introduce Kutcher in a way that satisfies the network and studio. “It’s really funny,” says one source. “People are going to love it.”

Broadcasting & Cable reported Thursday that Kutcher’s name was surfacing as a possible Sheen replacement. The actor, who starred in the winter hit No Strings Attached, would be taking first regular series gig since catapulting to stardom on Fox’s That 70’s Show. He also executive produced the hit MTV hidden-camera series Punk’d, among others.

Kutcher brings a youthful fan base to the CBS show, as well as a big online profile with 6.7 million Twitter followers, which could help CBS promote the show.
"Chuck's really happy," another source says.

For his part, Kutcher is remaining silent except for a cryptic message he wrote on Twitter: “I'm starting to become convinced that people put my name in articles just to improve their SEO or hoping I'll tweet it.”

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...er-will-188048

[Iceman]

Wow I thought that was gonna be a load of BS when i read it earlier

[Locke.]

aplusk

what's the square root of 6.25?
2 minutes ago via TweetDeck

[Locke.]

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/05/13/of...nd-a-half-men/

Done.

[Stu]

Tis' a pile of old shite anyway.