We’ve known all along that Russell Crowe would be playing the Sheriff of Nottingham in Ridley Scott‘s upcoming take on the Robin Hood story, Nottingham.
Many actors were rumored to be starring across from him in the iconic role of Robin Hood, including Christian Bale, but now comes word via MTV that Crowe himself will be pulling double duty and playing both roles.
The news came straight from director Ridley Scott:
He’s playing both! … [It will be] a good old clever adjustment of characters. One becomes the other. It changes.
At the moment, I highly dislike this news. Initially, the idea of such a classic story being done in such an exciting way by such exciting talent was, well, pretty freakin’ exciting! Now knowing the two most important characters in the tale will be the same face… it just doesn’t sit right. Of course, on the other hand, this is Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe. The chance of this being bad with those two names involved is highly, highly unlikely.
Indeed, this is some of the most unexpected casting news I’ve heard in a while. I fear that only when we get to see Nottingham will we know what Scott was aiming at with this approach and if it works or fails miserably.
I agree. Originally I thought this was going to be good, especially when I heard Robin might be Bale and I do like Crowe as the sheriff. But not real sure what ole Ridley is shooting for making the sheriff and Robin the same actor. Maybe it’s a twins thing, only he knows and guess we’ll see soon enough.
Comment by hansgonsolo — September 29, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
Nope, Russell says this story is not true. See his longtime fansite, Murph’s Place, http://www.murphsplace.com/crowe/news.html.
Comment by mjkbk — September 30, 2008 @ 12:22 am
Maybe now if Russell stars opposite Crowe he will find lurve in the eye of his own leading man
Comment by Tony B — September 30, 2008 @ 10:31 am
A Bale/Crowe Robin Hood movie would be epic. They had great chemistry in 3:10 to Yuma.
I really enjoyed the Costner Robin Hood (Costner notwithstanding), but it is time for a new version. WITH English accents.
Comment by middleman — September 30, 2008 @ 11:26 am