AceShowbiz - Russell Crowe has spoken out about Sienna Miller's dismissal from new movie "Robin Hood" - insisting he had nothing to do with the decision. Miller was originally signed on to play Maid Marian, but she mysteriously left the project in 2009 amid rumors she had been dropped because she was too young to play 45-year-old Crowe's love interest.

Cate Blanchett, 40, was later drafted in to take her place in the film, which is due for release later this year, in May. Now the film's star Crowe insists he played no part in axing Miller, while defending Blanchett's performance in the upcoming film.

He says, "It wasn't my call, actually, it's more that I'm too old and fat! But Cate brings something else. The way we changed the character, we needed somebody who was going to be resilient. And Cate is superb in this film. She was excellent to work with and a great partner in crime."