Russell Crowe has been confirmed as Brad Pitt's replacement in political thriller Sstate of Play after Hollywood-strike related issues forced the Troy star to pull out of the project.

Director Kevin Macdonald flew to Crowe's native Australia in a bid to persuade him to take the role immediately as production begins this month (Dec08).

Pitt, 43, was onboard the film for months, but pulled out citing concerns with the script - sparking Hollywood fears the actor may face legal action from studio bosses at Universal Pictures after walking away from a film that was stalled by a strike.

A star-studded cast including Edward Norton, Dame Helen Mirren and Rachel McAdams have already signed on to the film, an adaptation of a 2003 British TV miniseries. (PAW/WNWR/CG)

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