An epic of merrymen
Christine Sams
The Sun-Herald
February, 1, 2009
All's well in Nottingham, says the Sheriff.
Russell Crowe has spent the summer getting into shape for his role in Nottingham; now the actor has shared his excitement about the film.
Quashing rumours of problems with the project, Crowe told S the film's director, Sir Ridley Scott, is happy with the progress of pre-production, with things in full swing for the movie to be made late next month.
"Things are going well on Nottingham," Crowe said in an email to S last week.
"The main set of the village of Nottingham (ours is south-west of London) has been standing for eight months or so now and it is ageing nicely into its landscape. Sir Ridley is very happy about that."
Crowe says the setting will provide an authentic backdrop for the Robin Hood tale with a twist - his character is a likeable Sheriff of Nottingham.
"The village is built on 200 acres, which gives you a hint of the scale Rid is going for," says Crowe, who has also chopped his hair in time for the role. "We should be starting around March or April."
While Sienna Miller was sensationally dropped from the cast - it caused headlines in Britain - Crowe didn't weigh into speculation about the causes of the recasting. There were reports at one point that Crowe's physical shape had something to do with the decision - but judging by his trimmed-down physique, he has been back in training for the role of leading man.
His new leading lady is yet to be revealed.
"No announcements re: casting just yet; there will be some cool surprises though," Crowe says.
Although Nottingham will be made in Britain, Crowe is still home in Sydney.
Last week the Oscar winner was creating a home movie of his own: he filmed son Charlie on the way to his first day at school. It was a big day for the five-year-old, who was accompanied by his mum Danielle Spencer and Crowe. The couple also have another son, Tennyson, now 21/2.
