Russell Crowe signed on to play the Sheriff of Nottingham in Ridley Scott’s upcoming interpretation of the legendary good-vs-bad tale of Robin Hood back in October of 2007, but now he’s playing Robin Hood… also.
Ridley Scott is well-known for his bigger than life movies (Blade Runner, Gladiator) and central characters (Hannibal, G.I. Jane). Scott’s take on this story will be classic Ridley, and with a new twist.
“‘Nottingham’ is the ‘Gladiator’ version of Robin Hood,” super-producer Brian Grazer told MTV News about the upcoming twisted tale from the “American Gangster” tag team. “I think it will have the same propulsion that ‘Gladiator’ had - the same adrenaline hits.”
Told from the Sheriff’s point of view, the new movie centers around a familiar - yet very different - set of characters, director Ridley Scott said, revealing that his story begins when a legend first walks into history.
The Sheriff, then, strives to do right while caught in the middle of two wrongs – on one side a corrupt and unpopular King who orders him to arrest outlaws, on the other the outlaw himself who threatens to rouse the public in popular anarchy.
“[Caught between] the minority of haves and the majority of have nots,” Scott said.
[From MTV Movies Blog]
Christian Bale was rumored to be considering the part of Robin Hood, but when the the story was reworked both parts went to Crowe. Production stopped in July while casting choices were being considered after the rework. But, in his unique way of speaking, Russell Crowe said it takes time to do something well when it’s as universally known as the story of Robin Hood.
Crowe shared his side of story, saying that the movie is “one of those things where we’re taking our time with. You don’t want to be doing Robin Hood unless you’re going to be doing it really f*cking well. It’s got to be the best one ever done otherwise you should do something else.”
Although other details are kept for efficiency, Scott said that the dual roles would be “a good old clever adjustment of characters. One becomes the other. It changes.”
[From Aceshowbiz]
I’m sort of a traditionalist when it comes to stories of Sherwood Forest. I’ll take Robin Hood the fox or Carey Elwes in tights over Kevin Costner of Locksley anyday, but this new take sounds interesting, like a completely different story. The mergence of an antagonist and a protagonist has been done before, obviously, but since yet another Merry Men movie is being done, at least Ridley Scott is coming at it from a different angle.
Picture note by Celebitchy: Russell Crowe, his wife of five years, Danielle Spencer, and their two sons Charlie Crowe, who turns five in December, and Tennyson Crowe, two, are shown at the Botanical Gardens in Sydney on 8/29/08. Star ran the header image of Crowe last week in a feature called “Studs to Duds.” He has gained some weight. Photo Credit: ICON/Fame Pictures.
Russell Brand was out and about in Hollywood last night after attending the GQ Man Of The Year party, and when photogs asked if he was returning to England anytime soon, the British comedian replied, "There's lots to be done." We're not sure if Russell was referring to work or women, but either way, it looks like he's a busy man!
var entry_id = "7520"; var entry_tags = "nightlife,Russell Brand"; var preview = "rbrand111808.jpg"; var x17video_id = "small.rbrand111808.mp4";
Would you hit it?
Russell Brand was spotted leaving the Four Seasons in NYC with some buddies the other night, and while we could make a comment about his girly, Lohan-esque outfit, we're going to focus on his hair. It's like Amy Winehouse and Slash from Guns N' Roses had a baby...
Do ya think he's hot?
var entry_id = "7388"; var entry_tags = "girl,Russell Brand,Urth Caffé"; var preview = "rbrand110808.jpg"; var x17video_id = "small.rbrand110808.mp4";
Brand may not have hit a bulls eye with his performance as the host of this year's VMAs, but we're happy to have the funnyman here in LA after he was 
Ya think he might want to retire those pants and that sweater? He's been wearing that sh*t out!
We can't read the writing on his hand, but we're sure it's something funny...or sexy!
Is this guy too cool or just too weird?
Here's the UK funnyman leaving the Largo on Fairfax last night after performing a stand-up comedy routine. I think Lindsay Lohan TOTALLY has this same outfit, by the way. But what about the sunglasses? He's such a hipster!
What's the verdict: Is he hilaaaaarious or not so much?
Russell Crowe went for a walk in Beverly Hills the other day, and it looks like he forgot his sports bra. Oops! The Aussie actor has put on a few pounds and lately he's been looking more like a Hollywood bouncer than a Oscar-winning actor. Perhaps his new look is for a film role?
Moobs or not, he could still kick our ass!
We know he has a beautiful mind... but a beautiful body, too?
Russell Crowe showed off his rounder midsection while taking a much-needed walk in Beverly Hills the other day. The actor might've "bulked up" for his role in Body of Lies with Leo DiCaprio, but there's no time like the present to start working it off!
var entry_id = "6885"; var entry_tags = "Russel Crow"; var preview = "rcrow100408.jpg"; var x17video_id = "small.rcrow100408.mp4";
Is Russell still a hottie despite the extra baggage?
Russell Crowe is planning to avoid acting roles where he has to put on weight after his experience piling on the pounds for Ridley Scott’s new movie “Body of Lies”.
Seems like we may have a new contender for one of 
I wonder if carting him around so much in that thing is what keeps her in such great shape!
Who knew Russell Crowe was such a hands-on dad? Here he is, getting his son ready for a day of school in Brentwood.
This seemingly mellow man is a far cry from the guy who allegedly threw a phone at a hotel concierge back in 2005!
That's a helluva big bag of toys!
Gladiator star Russell Crowe was shopping at a Beverly Hills toy store yesterday and left with a large red bag full of stuff.
Charlie and Tennyson are two lucky boys!
Wonder what he got 'em!
We've never seen Keri give so many facial expressions at the same time!
Who here wants to see Keri return to TV?
ME!
Russell Crowe and his family may not have wanted an audience when they stepped out for a walk yesterday afternoon - but they sure ended up with one!
We spotted the Crowes just strollin' along, not doing much of anything in particular. Eventually, though, even they got bored - and decided to go shopping!
Eventually, Russell and the fam ended up at Bonpoint, where they indulged in a few gifts for Charlie and Tennyson. By the time they'd picked some stuff out, however, word had gotten out about the Crowes showing up at the store - and they left to find themselves face-to-face with a crowd of paps and fans!
Thankfully, Russell was nothing but genial as he packed up his family and headed home. The perfect end to a perfect family outing!
Looks like Christmas came early for the Crowes!
