Director Doug Liman had lined up rapper Eminem to star in new movie Jumper - but dropped him at the last minute in favour of Hayden Christensen.

The Lose Yourself hitmaker - whose acting debut came in 2002's 8 Mile - was first choice for the leading role in the science-fiction movie and was even in negotiations when Liman suddenly decided he preferred the Star Wars star.

Liman insists it would have been a very different film if he had given the part to the musician - but was determined to follow his instincts.

He tells MTV.com, "We did have a meeting. We did have conversations with Eminem. The thing is that you're like, 'Oh my God what would the movie have been like?'

"But you have to understand that Nicole Kidman was originally cast in Mr & Mrs Smith and Brad Pitt was originally the lead in Bourne Identity. (Those roles eventually went to Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon.)

"It was one of those things where the studio, with all things being equal, would rather put a bigger name in the movie (and wanted Eminem). At some point, I just put my foot down and said, 'I love Hayden'."

Labels: Eminem, Hayden Christensen, Jumper