Russell Crowe Cast As Noah
The actor will tackle the biblical character in Darren Aronofsky’s upcoming film.
It's been unofficially buzzing around the internet for weeks but Paramount Pictures have finally announced that Russell Crowe has been cast as Noah in Darren Aronofsky's feature film of the same name, which is due to start shooting this July in Iceland and New York.
With a screenplay written by Aronofsky and Ari Handel (The Fountain) and revised by Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan (Gladiator, Hugo), Noah has been deemed "a close adaptation of the Biblical story of Noah's Ark." In a world ravaged by human sin, Noah is given a divine mission: to build an Ark to save creation from the coming flood.
Of the casting announcement, Aronofsky stated, "I rejoice that Russell Crowe will be by my side on this adventure. It's his immense talent that helps me to sleep at night. I look forward to being wowed by him every day."
Despite these high words of praise, the actor wasn't Aronofsky's first choice for the part, with Christian Bale attached to star at one point, but having to depart given his commitment to a number of upcoming Terrence Malick projects.
While Aronofsky is best known for his edgy independent films (though he was attached to direct the X-Men Origins: Wolverine sequel now being helmed by James Mangold), Aronofsky has stated that with this film - which he dubs "a great fable" - he's leaning more toward making "a big event film."
At this stage, Noah is slated for release in the US on March 28, 2014.
Photo credit: Crowe, couresty of Getty Images/Graham Denholm.
