Editorials > Universal Approaches Russell Crowe to Replace Brad Pitt on State of Play

Last week it was reported that Brad Pitt had left Universal's State of Play due to creative differences regarding the final (and unalterable because of the strike) screenplay. Now Universal is courting Australian star Russell Crowe to take his place. According to Variety:

The result of that courtship will be known early this week and will determine how ugly things get between the studio and Pitt after he exited the picture.

If you don't feel like clicking on either of the links above, the short version of the story is that Universal may want to sue Pitt for his unexpected exit as he entered into a "pay or play" agreement. Meanwhile Pitt's camp feels that he was virtually forced out of the movie he had backed for nearly two years by the studio's unwillingness to wait out the WGA strike.

In any event, Crowe would be an excellent addition to the ensemble cast that already includes Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, and Robin Wright Penn. And the good news for Universal is that he's at least as strong of a box office draw if not stronger.

-David Morgan