The 'Gladiator' star is officially tapped to star as the devoted ark builder, a role which was originally offered to Christian Bale and Michael Fassbender.
- March 21, 2012
AceShowbiz -
Darren Aronofsky's biblical retelling "Noah" has finally tapped the right actor to play its titular prophet. After being rumored to be in talks for the part in early 2012, Russell Crowe has officially sealed the deal to join the upcoming epic movie.
According to Deadline, a formal announcement of Crowe's casting is expected to be released this week. Some sources revealed that the project, which was originally planned to kick off this spring, will begin its principal photography in July.
Before Crowe was cast as the devoted ark builder, Christian Bale was named the frontliner for the part. He, however, turned down the project since he was also committed to Terence Malick's "Lawless" and "Knight of Cups". Earlier in December 2011, Michael Fassbender was also eyed for the part.
"Noah" will reunite Crowe with screenwriter John Logan, who penned the script for Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning "Gladiator". The movie will also become Aronofsky's follow-up to his Oscar-nominated "Black Swan".
When announcing the project last October, Aronofsky admitted that he's been fantasizing about making a movie related to prophet Noah. "Since I was a kid, I have been moved and inspired by the story of Noah and his family's journey," he said.
"The imaginations of countless generations have sparked to this epic story of faith," the filmmaker added. "It's my hope that I can present a window into Noah's passion and perseverance for the silver screen."
