Actor Jude Law has withdrawn from the troubled Western film Jane Got a Gun, a day after its director, Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, failed to turn up on set for the first day of filming.

Gavin O'Connor will now direct the movie, which stars Natalie Portman.

Law's exit has not been explained, but appears to be a reaction to the departure of Ramsay.

Ramsay, known for the critically acclaimed We Need to Talk about Kevin, Ratcatcher and Morvern Callar, has yet to comment on her decision to drop out of the movie.

Jane Got A Gun, based on a screenplay by Brian Duffield, tells the story of farmer's wife who enlists the help of a former lover to help defend her home.