Russell Crowe in Robin Hood remake

Monday, May 07, 2007
Russell Crowe will star in a remake of Robin Hood - as a "noble" Sheriff of Nottingham.The 'Gladiator' star will take the lead role in 'Nottingham', a twist on the usual tale featuring the lawman as the hero working for a corrupt king. The "noble and brave" character will investigate a murder in which outlaw Robin Hood is the main suspect. An industry insider said: "It's a role that will suit Russell. The part is something he'll be able to get his teeth into."

The film will also feature a love triangle between the Sheriff, Robin Hood and Robins love intrest Maid Marion. The revisionist take on the Robin Hood legend will give the outlaw a darker side than previous versions. The idea was conceived by writers Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris, whose previous films include 'Bulletproof Monk'. Universal reportedly fought off a number of rival studios for the rights to make the film, including Warner Bros and New Line. A director is yet to be confirmed for the film, slated for a 2009 release, but both 'Gladiator' director Ridley Scott and 'Spider Man 3' filmmaker Sam Raimi have been linked with the project. He has won an Oscar for his work in 'A Beautiful Mind'.