US rapper 50 Cent has denied reports he was dropped from the forthcoming Sylvester Stallone movie, The Expendables.

Online reports claimed Stallone had overturned his decision to cast the rapper as a replacement for actor Forest Whitaker, who also pulled out of the film, following complaints from fans.

But in a statement to MTV, a spokesperson for 50 Cent said the rapper was unable to commit to the project because of time restraints.

"50 Cent was offered the role of Hale Caesar in The Expendables, however as he is currently in the process of completing his forthcoming album 'Before I Self Destruct' with Dr. Dre and Eminem," the statement said.

"He was unfortunately not able to commit to the project."

Last week, Stallone defended his decision to cast the rapper as “a good one”.

The director, who also stars in the movie, told AICN that, although people's reaction was “understandable”, it was “not fair”.

The Expendables will also feature performances from award-winning actor Mickey Rourke, Jet Li and Jason Statham.

The film is due for release in 2010.

(by Jason Gregory)