Ashton Kutcher to Replace Charlie Sheen on 'Two and a Half Men'

By Tracey Harrington McCoy Posted May 12th 2011 09:00PM

This article has been updated to reflect CBS' joint announcement with Warner Bros. Television on Friday.

After months of much speculation, Charlie Sheen's 'Two and a Half Men' replacement has finally been selected and it's not Hugh Grant. CBS and Warner Bros. Television confirmed on Friday that Ashton Kutcher has landed the plum role of the lead star in CBS's comedy hit.

"I can't wait to get to work with this ridiculously talented 2.5 team and I believe we can fill the stage with laughter that will echo in viewers' homes," Kutcher said in press release about the move. "I can't replace Charlie Sheen but I'm going to work my ass off to entertain the hell out of people!"

Chuck Lorre, creator and executive producer of the show, also chimed with praise for the film and TV star. "We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family," Lorre said in the CBS-Warner Bros' annnouncement. "Added to that is the deep sigh of relief knowing that our family stays together. If I was any happier, it'd be illegal."

The Hollywood Reporter was first to report the casting on Thursday night. Sources also said Kutcher is set to get a "huge payday" for joining the show, but no word on the actual amount. According to TMZ sources, Kutcher will be making between $625,000 - $900,000 per episode. Sheen's base salary was $1.25 million an episode.

Kutcher added fuel to the casting fire Thursday night, when he cryptically tweeted, "What's the square root of 6.25?" The answer, it turns out, is 2.5.

In the casting announcement, WB TV boss Peter Roth called Kutcher a "big-time talent whose unique style will blend seamlessly with Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones and the rest of this terrific ensemble."

'Two and a Half Men' producer and Charlie Sheen-nemesis, Chuck Lorre, has reportedly put together a clever storyline for Kutcher. "It's really funny," one source said. "People are going to love it."

The role will mark Kutcher's first regular series acting gig since his star-making turn on 'That 70's Show.' The 33-year-old actor has been doing movies and executive producing TV shows like MTV's 'Punk'd' since the FOX series ended in 2006.

Tags: Ashton Kutcher, Charlie Sheen

Comments

(1142)

Saturday 14 May

By geri

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Rob Lowe should have got the part sorry ashton

Thursday 12 May

By schifferlingb

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He looks fresh and good looking - at least not hung over looking, so good luck - I will tune in the show to watch him for sure.

By ratt69

you should just get pee wee herman before you put ashton on it.

By wnt2kno

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This is a great idea! He needs to be on TV more.

By kittybeaup

Have u guys seen Ashtons last movie as a hit man? It was pretty damn good. Hes funny, good looking and CAN act. Give the guy a chance.. If he sucks, dont watch..luv ya Ashton..good luck

By Sharon

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This is fantastic news. I can't wait to watch the return of this show! Ashton is a great replacement!

By joey

it was charlies show,no charlie,no show,and ashton is the worse choice ever ,,john stamos would have fit better,or the remaining cast would be fine on there own

By Douglas

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Not funny. He only plays dumb and weak characters thise why Hi married Dumi More. Charlie's character is not that. Oh well. Shut it down.


By mellorsqst

sweet blistered jesus.. sheen is right.. lorre is out of his f'ing mind.. and he thinks this moronic juvenile boy toy is going to save the day..?? now who is smoking crack...???

By Tracey

Thank God no one can replace Charlie! Glad it's not Hugh Grant. I will watch this show now. Good luck Ashton!

By Gnc

He doesn't have the polish of Sheen. It's doomed. I think they should bring Sheen back or just ditch the show. Next

Friday 13 May

By Charlotte

Charlie has polish? Like what........shoe polish? Ashton........what a breath of fresh air!

Who's WINNING now?

By svplanb4

not lorreeee stupid troll

By g

Not Lorre, you idiot!

By peter

Kutcher is the biggest no-talent nitwit in Hollywood. This show should just be cancelled.

By Helen

I agree with you totally. The only reason he gets roles is because of his grandmother, er, I mean "wife".

By jd

love the show & hope ashton gets the chance to make me luv it more
charlie has gone off the deep end and i prefer to watch someone who is
not a trainwreck on the way to total self destruction
too bad - his kids deserve a dad with a lifestyle they can grow up to be healthy and proud of
anyway - how about jack nickleson as a long lost uncle or grandfather
ashton and the rest of the cast [maybe jack too?]could take the show way beyond what charlie could

By Jill

he's so not funny. Bad choice. As a friend said new name should be two and a half twits.

By Mr. G

Great choice! Ashton may just be able to pull this off! The show's writers really have exhausted any new funny story lines and this last season has really shown it. Ashton will bring a whole new look to the show. Something new, fresh and long over due!

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