Since Robert Downey Jr was forced to abandon the film Gravity due to a scheduling conflict, George Clooney, 49, will be stepping in alongside Sandra Bullock, 46, to replace him.
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), the film will follow two astronauts trying to survive after their space station is hit by debris and the crew have all died, according to Variety .
Production for the 3D space film has started and shooting will begin next spring.
Angelina Jolie and Natalie Portman had also been approached for this film, but had also had to decline, leaving room for Sandra Bullock.
In addition, George Clooney is currently filming a comedy drama The Descendants which is due for release next spring. He also agreed to perform in the drama The Ides of March. Ryan Gosling, Marisa Tomei, Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Evan Rachel Wood are also starring in the film due out in 2012.