Columbia Pictures Delays Production of 'Moneyball'

According to the New York Times, Columbia Pictures has decided to delay the production of "Moneyball." Production of the baseball drama starring Brad Pitt was reportedly scheduled to begin Monday, June 22, in Phoenix.

Steven Soderbergh was slated to direct the motion picture from a script that he co-wrote, reports the Times. However, Amy Pascal, Sony Pictures Entertainment's co-chairwoman, reportedly reviewed the final draft of the script last week and discovered striking differences from previous versions.

As the Times report indicates, the film's fate depends on how quickly a new financier enters the picture. If this does not occur within the desired time frame, Pascal could delay production until Soderbergh and Sony come to an agreement regarding the script, or even move forward without Soderbergh.

The film ending up at another studio is said to remain in the realm of possibilities as well. "Moneyball," once produced, will chronicle the Oakland Athletics' successful use of computer analysis in drafting its players.