Shortly before location scouting was to have begun on "X3," helmer Matthew Vaughn ("Layer Cake") has ankled the pic, citing family reasons, 20th Century Fox said Tuesday.

In a statement, the studio said the London-based Vaughn had planned to travel between his home and the film's Vancouver locations, but "as the shooting schedule evolved, he realized he would have to move to Los Angeles and Vancouver for at least a year. Not wishing to uproot his family for an extended period, Vaughn opted to depart the production."

"We understand Matthew's reasons for leaving, as nothing is more important than family," said Hutch Parker, president of 20th Century Fox.

Parker said the studio is "fully committed to remaining right on schedule," with the pic calendared for release on May 26, 2006.

Calls to Vaughn's reps at Endeavor were not returned at deadline.

As reported in Variety