Mandy Moore Exits ABC Pilot 'Pulling' After Writers Throw Her A Curve Ball: Star Says She Stepped Aside To Not 'Jeopardize The Show'

Mandy Moore exited the cast of the ABC show "Pulling" Friday, as the cast prepared to shoot the program's pilot episode.

According to Moore, the writers threw her a curveball when they took her character to such an unexpected place she no longer felt she was right for the role.

"Many things change quickly as a pilot moves into production," Moore told Deadline on Friday. "And in this case, Lee and Gene moved the character in a different direction, it was clear this wasn't right for me. Rather than jeopardize the show, I asked to step aside.

Mandy said the "Pulling" producers understood her reason for the exit.

"They and ABC were very accommodating, and wish them all the best in the fall. It's a terrific show that worked so well in the UK, I hope it gets the audience it deserves here."

According to one "Pulling" producer, Mandy exits with the producers blessing.

"Mandy is a pro, and has been very patient and accommodating with us," the producer said. "As we moved closer to production, it was clear we needed to go in a different direction for the character, and Mandy agreed to do what was best for the show. She's an immensely gifted actress and we hope to have the pleasure of working with her again." 

The British version of "Pulling" ran for two seasons between 2006 and 2008.

The show was nominated for a BAFTA in 2007. Actress and creator Sharon Horgan won a British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Entertainment Actress in 2008.

The show portrays three women in their 30s throwing caution to the wind to live life the way they want, despite society's judgments.

The American version created for ABC was written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky and will be directed by Jason Moore.