Russell Crowe

Earlier this week it was reported that Universal and director Kevin Macdonald were making last ditch efforts to replace Pitt, who pulled out at the eleventh hour citing script problems, which amidst a writers strike seemed to be a legitimate concern. Reports were saying that Universal was trying to "cajole Mr. Pitt into proceeding with some version of the script."

Fortunately for Uni and Macdonald Russell Crowe doesn't have the same script concerns as it appears he will be signing on to topline the picture opposite Ed Norton. I can only wonder if the deal was struck because it appears the writers strike may be over soon, if Uni tossed Crowe a boatload of cash along with a semi full as well or if Crowe simply didn't see the script problems Pitt saw. Either way it is quite the turn of events as Crowe ends up being the good guy in the whole thing only two years after throwing around telephones and becoming the Hollywood bad boy.

In State of Play Crowe will play a politico-turned-journalist who spearheads his newspaper's investigation into a killing that leads to a fast-rising congressman (Norton). He then becomes conflicted since he was once the congressman's confidant and at the same time he develops a relationship with the pol's estranged wife (Robin Wright-Penn).

The cast is rounded out by Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman.

I was wrong on this one as I didn't see Crowe picking up Pitt's sloppy seconds.