Catherine Zeta-Jones pulled out of movie because she felt her part wasn't big enough

Catherine Zeta-Jones pulled out of a movie musical because she felt her part wasn't big enough, it was claimed today (mon).

The Welsh-born actress was in talks to star in a Hollywood adaptation of hit Broadway show, Nine. She was set to play Claudia in the updated version of Federico Fellini's 1963 classic, "81/2."

But she has pulled out - and sources say it's because she had a row with director Rob Marshall.

A source told a US newspaper: "Catherine asked if [writer] Michael Tolkin could enlarge her part.

"[But] it's an ensemble story. It always has been."

Marshall is said to have told her the script couldn't be changed so dramatically. Zeta-Jones was due to join the likes of Sophia Loren, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem in the eagerly anticipated flick.

But a pal of the Oscar-winning actress said Zeta-Jones said she didn't fall out with Marshall, who also directed her in 2002 hit musical, Chicago.

The friend said: "She was never 100 percent committed to 'Nine.'

"She had a meeting with Rob. She'd love to work with him again. But she felt she'd done the same sort of role in 'Chicago.'

"The script wasn't an issue."

Marshall is now said to be looking for a slightly younger actress to play Claudia. Among those under consideration are Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Liv Tyler, Keira Knightley and Kate Hudson, according to reports.

Zeta-Jones won the 2003 Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for playing Velma Kelly in Chicago.

Meanwhile, Zeta-Jones, 38, will play another muse - that of illusionist Harry Houdini - in the upcoming Death Defying Acts.

Nine is due to start shooting in March 2008.