In the aftermath of the heated breakup of producers Harvey Weinstein and Scott Rudin, rumors of doom continue to surround the chances of "The Reader" getting released in time to compete in the current Oscars derby. That scuttlebutt seemed to be confirmed last weekend when "The Reader" was removed from the Weinstein Co. website, but "that was a mistake and it's fixed now," says spokesperson. "We're definitely releasing the film, as planned, on Dec. 10 in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, then we'll roll out wider after that."

RopeOfSilicon.com reports it "got a tip from someone claiming to be close to the production saying 'editing is not even half-finished,' but the biggest problem is apparently the score. Our tipster says, 'Although Alberto Iglesias will probably do the score, the other two finalists are still in the game — Ozren K. Glaser, a brilliant young Croatian composer and Nico Muhly, a dark-styled Peter Glass assistant."

However, the studio spokesperson insists, "We actually had most of the editing done last summer, so we're not worried. (Director) Stephen Daldry is busy now, but we're sure the film will be done in time." Daldry currently has the added chore of opening the new musical version of "Billy Elliot" on Broadway next month.

As for who's composing the musical score, the rep says it's Muhly, adding, "He's had the job for a long time. Iglesias was never involved. That's just a rumor."

Mystery continues to linger over whether Kate Winslet will be put in lead or supporting, considering she'll also compete in lead for "Revolutionary Road," which is directed by her husband Sam Mendes. Some Oscarologists believe that Harvey will probably place her lead now that he's split with Rudin, who's producing "Revolutionary Road," but the studio rep claims that they're leaving that decision to Winslet, who has not yet informed them of her final decision while she continues discussion with Weinstein and Rudin. For now, Weinstein Co. tentatively has her slotted for supporting.

As for another one of Weinstein Co.'s potential Oscar pix, "The Road," it remains listed on the studio's website, but most of us Oscar bloggers have known for a while that it'll be bumped to 2009. That's not yet official, but word is leaking out. The studio still has a back-up pony in the derby that's safe because it's already out, though: "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

(Weinstein Co.)