Actor Owen Wilson has dropped out of a minor role in the Ben Stiller-directed comedy Tropic Thunder, according to a report in Variety.

Wilson was taken to hospital last weekend after what police described as a suicide attempt at his Santa Monica home.

Owen Wilson, shown in May, was released from his role in Tropic Thunder by director Ben Stiller.
(Matt Sayles/Associated Press)

Stiller is reported to have agreed to allow Wilson to withdraw from the ensemble comedy, which also stars Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr.

Hollywood insiders are speculating about whether Wilson will be available to promote The Darjeeling Limited, his next picture to be released, this fall.

Neither DreamWorks, which is backing Tropic Thunder, nor Fox Searchlight, which is behind Darjeeling, had comment.

However, supporters say the popular funnyman will continue to enjoy big-screen success.

Wilson's public perception is "very positive," said industry analyst Paul Dergarabedian of Media By Numbers.

"Owen Wilson has a really good reputation and people in general really feel bad for him right now."

Wilson has enjoyed a string of hits such as Wedding Crashers, with a movie persona of the affable everyman who can charm the ladies while boozing with the boys.

However, publicist Michael Levine said emotional issues could have "a deep impact on his future employability and the ability to obtain insurance."

Bernie Brillstein, a veteran Hollywood manager who worked with John Belushi and Chris Farley, said this kind of breakdown happens often in Hollywood, but the media has increased its coverage of such incidents.

"There is no boundary," he said. "This [kind of thing] has happened for years but the press was never so vigilant in reporting bad news."

Wilson issued an appeal Monday for privacy while he heals.

With files from the Associated Press