Director GUY RITCHIE's film partner MATTHEW VAUGHN is fuming because Guy cast wife MADONNA as the lead in their next film - instead of Penélope Cruz.

Vaughn, Guy's best friend, was convinced stunning Penelope would be perfect for their low-budget film set on a Mediterranean island, in which Madonna plays a wealthy woman who falls for a penniless sailor.

A friend says, "Matthew and Guy disagree all the time over casting, but this one has particularly got to Matthew because he feels Guy may have let his heart rule his head. "

Guy reportedly wrote the part with Madonna in mind, but producer Matthew saw Penelope as more bankable at the box office. He adds, "Things got a bit tense because Guy thought Matthew was doubting Madonna's acting talents - but really he was just being practical. " (RM/WNSMI/NFA)

Source: WENN