MTV News has exclusively confirmed that Pattinson is dropping out of “Parts per Billion,” the eagerly anticipated indie film he was scheduled to begin shooting in Los Angeles this month.

A representative for Pattinson confirmed that he is no longer involved. “What you heard is correct,” the 22-year-old star’s agent, Nicholas Frenkel, replied to an MTV News query Tuesday (January 6). “Unfortunately, the prep time and production schedule on ‘New Moon’ haven’t left enough time for Robert to work on ‘Parts per Billion’ in the first quarter of this year.” Source

Now all eyes are on “Parts Per Billion,” the first film that the 22-year-old leading man will shoot as a certified star.

“It’s an ensemble story,” explained Rosario Dawson, who will also appear in the film alongside Olivia Thirlby and Dennis Hopper when it begins shooting next month. “[The script features several] different storylines that are going on.”

Directed by newcomer Brian Horiuchi, “Billion” tells the story of three couples (including Pattinson and Thirlby) dealing with the same reality-shaking event that threatens to tear them apart. Pattinson will shoot “Billion” before he reports for duty on the “Twilight” sequel “New Moon,” and the film is expected to be released in late 2009/early 2010. Source