A source close to “Two and a Half Men” confirmed rumors that the show came close to signing a deal with a major film star to replace Charlie Sheen on the show, Entertainment Weekly reported.

The star is Hugh Grant, and according to some reports he was close to signing for about $1 million an episode before reportedly backing out over creative differences. The actual price may have been closer to $200,000, according to the source. Sheen was earning about $2 million per show before he was fired.

Rumors of other possible replacements have included Jerry O’Connell and Jeremy Piven, the story points out, but insiders are generally dismissing the various names that have popped up.

The significance of the Hugh Grant revelation may be simply that Warner Bros. and CBS appear to be serious about going ahead with finding a replacement who will enable them to keep the show going.