Gerard Butler has pulled out of the 'Point Break' remake.

The 44-year-old actor was due to step into the late Patrick Swayze's shoes in a reboot of the classic 1991 surfer heist film, but has opted out of playing central character Bodhi due to a scheduling conflict and unnamed ''creative differences''.

The rugged star was already committed to filming the sequel to 'Olympus Has Fallen' in London this autumn, so would have been unable to take part in the lengthy 'Point Break' shoot, which kicks off in June and is expected to last several months and be filmed at multiple international locations.

Director Ericson Core and producers are now scrambling to find a replacement for Butler since filming is still scheduled to start next month, The Hollywood Reporter claims.

The movie also stars Luke Bracey in the role of Johnny Utah, the FBI agent who infiltrates Bodhi's criminal gang, and Ray Winstone as his partner, Agent Angelo Pappas.

The roles were previously played by Keanu Reeves and Gary Busey respectively.

In a new twist, 'Point Break' will be updated from a surfer-scene setting to the world of extreme sports.

Kurt Wimmer - who penned 'Salt' and 'Total Recall' - has written the script, with Alcon's Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove producing alongside John Baldecchi, Chris Taylor and Wimmer.