Susan Sarandon says Cher stole her Witches of Eastwick movie role: ‘They threatened to sue me if I left’

Actor learnt the news shortly after arriving in Los Angeles for filming

(Getty Images)

Susan Sarandon has claimed that Cher once stole her movie role.

Sarandon, 74, says she had signed on to play the role of Alex in 1987 film The Witches of Eastwick.

However, upon arriving in Los Angeles, she swiftly discovered she had “moved to a different part”.

Sarandon ended up playing Jane in George Miller’s adaptation of the John Updike novel.

In the film, her character plays the cello, which Sarandon said in a chat with film's screenwriter, Mr Robot actor Michael Cristofer, she had to “learn suddenly”.

They were speaking ahead of a fundraiser for LA’s Project Angel Food, which is set to host a Witches of Eastwick-themed party this weekend.

She said: “I had never played an instrument in my life,” adding: “They said they would sue me if I left, so I didn’t have much choice.”

Sarandon suggested that a "past liaison" between Cher, 74, and producer Jon Peters might have played a part in the decision.

The pair, and their co-star Michelle Pfeiffer, struck up a friendship during production, and would have lunch with Jack Nicholson in his trailer every day.

Veronica Cartwright also stars in the film, which was nominated for two Oscars.

Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer in ‘The Witches of Eastwick' (Rex Features)

The Independent has contacted a rep of Cher for comment.