LOS ANGELES — Memo to Charlie Sheen: Ashton Kutcher
is winning. CBS and Warner Bros. Television announced Friday that the
actor will join the cast of the hit (and beleaguered) “Two and a Half
Men.”
The former star of the sitcom “That 70’s Show” puts
to rest a huge question mark for the network as it prepares to face
advertisers in New York City with its slate of new fall programming.
“We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful
and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family,” said Chuck
Lorre, creator and executive producer of “Two and a Half Men.” “If I was
any happier, it’d be illegal.”
Reports surfaced Thursday night that the actor was
the likely replacement. Kutcher even kind of confirmed the reports via
his Twitter account, tweeting: “What’s the square root of 6.25” (The
answer is 2.5). But now comes his official statement: “I can’t wait to
get to work with this ridiculously talented 2.5 team and I believe we
can fill the stage with laughter that will echo in viewers’ homes. I
can’t replace Charlie Sheen but I’m going to work my ass off to
entertain the hell out of people!”
Production of the ninth season will begin this summer.
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