Armie Hammer has dropped out of an upcoming film with Jennifer Lopez amid controversy over messages he allegedly sent that were leaked online.

The star, best known for films including The Social Network, Call Me By Your Name and, most recently, the Netflix adaptation of Rebecca, had been set to appear opposite Lopez in action-comedy Shotgun Wedding.

However, with shooting for the film set to start soon, Hammer is now being replaced.

A production spokesman told the PA news agency: "Given the imminent start date of Shotgun Wedding, Armie has requested to step away from the film and we support him in his decision."

Representatives for Hammer, 34, have been contacted for comments, as well as the Lionsgate film studio.

The actor started trending on social media earlier in January after the alleged messages appeared online. The authenticity of the messages has not been verified.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hammer sent the entertainment news site a statement hitting out at the "vicious and spurious online attacks".

Shotgun Wedding follows a couple who get cold feet before they are due to walk down the aisle, with the nuptials complicated further when the wedding party is hijacked by criminals.

It will be directed by Pitch Perfect filmmaker Jason Moore.

Hammer and Elizabeth Chambers, now his ex-wife, announced their divorce in the summer of 2020 after 10 years of marriage.

He is best known for starring as the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network alongside Justin Timberlake, as well as opposite Timothee Chalamet in acclaimed drama Call Me By Your Name.