NEW YORK -- James Brolin is replacing James Caan in David O. Russell's "Nailed," with Kirstie Alley and Olivia Crocicchia also boarding the politically charged rom-com.

Caan departed the film three weeks ago, in large part because of a spat with Russell about the proper way for his politico character to choke on a cookie. Brolin can turn to his son Josh for advice: The younger Brolin will portray George W. Bush choking on a pretzel in a scene from Oliver Stone's upcoming biopic.

Alley will play a veterinarian who fails to remove a nail from the head of her niece (Jessica Biel). The injured woman travels to Washington to fight for better health care with the help of a disgruntled youth (Crocicchia) and falls for a congressman (Jake Gyllenhaal).

Brolin played a politician in Showtime's "The Reagans." Alley recently inked a deal with Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Prods. to develop TV projects.

Brolin is repped by ICM and Jeff Wald. Alley is repped by WMA and Untitled Entertainment. Crocicchia is repped by Rain Management Group.

James Brolin gets 'Nailed'

Kirstie Alley, Olivia Crocicchia also join cast

By Gregg Goldstein

May 7, 2008, 01:00 AM