Shia LaBeouf Reaches Settlement with Broadway Producers Over Firing from Orphans

Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf and the producers of the Tony-nominated revival of Lyle Kessler's Orphans have reached a settlement over LaBeouf's firing from the show, according to The New York Times. On February 20, it was announced that due to "creative differences," the producers of Orphans and LaBeouf would part ways and he would not continue with the production. After additional details on the termination were revealed by LaBeouf on Twitter, he was then replaced by Ben Foster, who co-starred with Alec Baldwin and Tony nominee Tom Sturridge in the show, which ended its limited engagement early on May 19.

LaBeouf addressed the tension that erupted between him and his former co-star Baldwin during rehearsals when he appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman on April 1 to talk about why he was fired from the Broadway production. Orphans director Daniel Sullivan had allegedly become worried about LaBeouf's performance choices during rehearsals and spoke with LaBeouf, Baldwin and the producers about his concerns. When the situation did not improve to Sullivan's satisfaction, the producers decided it was still early enough in the rehearsal process to replace the actor.

Settlement details were not released, however both parties "resolved their differences," after LaBeouf claimed "unfair termination" from the production to Actors' Equity.

"We regret the circumstances that caused Shia's departure from Orphans," producers Robert Cole and Frederick Zollo said in a statement to the Times. "Shia is a gifted actor whose full preparation to undertake the role of Treat demonstrated his respect and devotion to the play. The parties recognize that neither Mr. LaBeouf nor the producers was at fault. We have the utmost respect for Shia and his acting abilities, and would welcome the opportunity to work with him in the future."

Orphans is the story of two orphaned brothers who are living in a decrepit North Philadelphia row house. Treat (Foster), the eldest, supports his damaged younger sibling Phillip (Sturridge) by petty thievery, and makes the house a virtual prison for the seemingly simple-minded Phillip. One night he kidnaps a rich older man, Harold (Baldwin), who turns out to have his own motives and becomes the father figure the boys have always yearned for. Orphans received two 2013 Tony nominations (for Best Leading Actor in a Play for Sturridge and Best Revival of a Play).