The latest from Sherwood Forest is that there is a God.
Back in September we reported that Russell Crowe was set to play both Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham in Ridley Scott?s Robin Hood. Think Lindsay Lohan in Parent Trap with facial hair and a few hundred extra pounds.
However, according to an update on the IMDB Russell Crowe is sticking to one role. He is donning a pair of spanx and is playing Robin Hood. The Sheriff of Nottingham is rumoured to be played by Matthew Macfadyen of Pride and Prejudice remake fame.
If recent physical appearance is anything to go by its hard not to imagine Crowe playing anything other than Friar Tuck. However, a man of his craft, the latest promo picture shows him slimmed down sporting a hair-do that would make Maximus proud.
Cate Blanchett has taken over from Sienna Miller, and been cast as Maid Marion. The mere presence of Blanchett in the line up makes the film all the more appealing.
Also with a nearly 20-year age difference between Miller and Crowe, no amount of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor would have condoned such sugardaddy casting.
The actors attached to the project all appear to be pretty awesome, it's comforting to have in this kind of genre a leading man who can actually act. If you're not a fan of Crowe, just be grateful it's not Clive Owen (see, utter relief). Even if Scott at the helm doesn't get your arrows soaring the writers alone make the project worth a look.
One such writer is Brian Helgeland, who wrote the screenplays for Man on Fire, Mystic River, LA Confidential, Payback and Assassins. OK, Assassins is no Mystic River, but you know you love that movie. If none of those films appeal enough to make you go and watch the film, maybe you don't deserve to. No, seriously, if that isn't your bag of chips, the other writers involved co-wrote Kung Fu Panda. Now, you definitely know you love that movie.
As a die hard and quote-addicted fan of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, this latest man-(not quite)-in-tight adventure should be a welcome addition to the franchise. Despite the teething problems the stellar cast and crew may just pull off the film of 2011. One has to admit, the thought of Crowe donning a scowl and pivoting once again with a sword in hand, is an appealing one.
Are you not entertained?
[story by Gemma Addy]