Crowe replaces late Heath Ledger in Dirt Music

Hollywood actor Russell Crowe of Gladiator fame has replaced the late actor Heath Ledger in the forthcoming Australian movie Dirt Music. The movie is an adaptation of a Booker prize shortlisted novel by Tim Winton.

Initially, Ledger was signed to play the male lead role in the film opposite Rachel Weisz. But, the actor left the project to take up the role of the Joker in The Dark Knight. Moreover, the actor passed away in 2008 thus clearing the way for Crowe.

Phillip Noyce, the director of the film, has now confirmed that the movie will start rolling with Russell Crowe in the lead.

He added, “We were almost prepared with the money and the lead actors Heath and Rachel Weisz. But, then Health wanted to play the Joker so none could argue with that. It took some time to find out someone suitable to play the lead role 'Luther"."

With Dirt Music, Crowe will be seen in an Australian movie in more than a decade.