A movie based on the life of tragic Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson has been shelved as film bosses have reportedly failed to find a replacement for Aaron Eckhart after he quit the project.

The actor, who was due to play Wilson, exited The Drummer last year (12) due to scheduling difficulties after spending six months working on his musical skills for the role.

Film bosses failed to find a new star, and now the project has been put on hold indefinitely.

The movie's music supervisor Brad Rosenberger tells The Hollywood Reporter, "It was a huge blow for us when Eckhart pulled out... With everything in the right place, (Wilson's heirs) would love to see a movie honouring their father. There are no plans to make this Dennis Wilson movie now, but I don't think it would be accurate to say we don't want a movie to be made."

Shelley Surpin, a trustee of the Wilson estate, adds, "The Dennis Wilson Trust can confirm that there is no plan for proceeding with the Drummer project."

Wilson drowned in California in 1983 at the age of 39.