Mr. Newton, 41, who has been outspoken about his struggles with bipolar disorder, announced his decision to step down from “Eve” in a statement:

“Yesterday I notified Jessica Chastain and the other producers on the film ‘Eve’ that I will be stepping down as director. Since the announcement of this film, the responses, which are powerful and important, have not fallen on deaf ears.”

“Over the past eight years I have been working extensively with health care professionals to help me overcome my addiction and mental health illness,” the statement continued. “For the past six years I have lived a quiet and sober life. All I can do now is try to be a living amends and hopefully contribute to the positive change occurring in our industry.”

On Friday, the petition that had started as a result of the announcement was closed. A message was posted, “Great news! Matthew Newton has dropped out of the film because of public pressure, including this petition. Thank you for signing!”

Because Mr. Newton wrote the script of “Eve,” his resignation also raises questions about the fate of the movie.

Ms. Chastain and representatives from Voltage Pictures, the other production company on the film, did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.