US rapper 50 Cent is to replace actor Forest Whitaker in a forthcoming movie directed by Sylvester Stallone, it's been reported.

The rapper will play the role of Hale Caesar in The Expendables, which follows a group of mercenaries as they try to overthrow a South American dictator.

Ain't It Cool News says Whitaker was forced to pull out of the movie after filming was delayed by a month.

Although 50 Cent has continued to establish himself as an actor over recent years, his appointment has been met with criticism online.

But Stallone, who also stars in the movie, told AICN that, although people's reaction was “understandable”, it was “not fair”.

He wrote: “A player is only as good as his coach. If a man can communicate in one medium, he can communicate in another if his strengths are brought out and he has the support of well-wishers.

“So, trust me, the change of Forest Whitaker to 50 Cent a.k.a. Curtis Jackson is a good one."

The Expendables will also feature performances from award-winning actor Mickey Rourke, Jet Li and Jason Statham.

The film is due for release in 2010.

(by Jason Gregory)