CAST (From the IMDb):

NEWS

4/15/08 - Plot Synopsis From Rope of Silicon: See below

2/29/08 - The Daily Mail - Baz Bamigboye: Regal Helen Mirren puts the accent on adaptability -- Helen Mirren was in the middle of switching accents. -- "I've just played the English editor-in-chief in State Of Play and I'm heading to Albuquerque to play a brothel owner who is very American in Taylor's film," the Oscar-winner told me, referring to the movie Love Ranch, which is being directed by her husband, Taylor Hackford. ...In the film version, being directed by Kevin Macdonald (who made The Last King Of Scotland), Helen, as editor of a Washington daily paper, has to tough it out with secretive politicians when her dogged investigative reporter, played by Russell Crowe, uncovers a story involving murder and corruption. Bill Nighy played Helen's part in the TV series. "She's the one in control," Andrew Hauptman, the producer who secured the film rights from Abbott, told me. "She is the person in charge of this newspaper and she makes it known that she's strong, old school - a real Fleet Street type," Hauptman added. Eric Fellner of Working Title (the London studio behind Atonement - which won an Oscar, by the way, for best score) is overseeing the production and he and his associates commissioned the building of a massive newsroom in a Los Angeles studio. The film also stars Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman. - Thanks, Maria

2/21/08 - JFX online: Rachel McAdams and Russell in character on set

2/5/08- Thanks to Cindy - Pics of Russell as Cal McAffrey and Jason Batemen as Dominic Foy on the set of State of Play (From JFX on line)

12/18/07- Variety: Norton exits 'State of Play' -- Affleck in talks to replace actor - Thanks, Maria

12/3/07 - Flash!: Variety: Crowe commits to 'State of Play' -- Russell Crowe has committed to star for Universal in "State of Play," a development that keeps the Kevin Macdonald-directed film on course to begin production this year. Crowe joins Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman and Robin Wright Penn, who were all locked into pay-or-play deals when Brad Pitt abruptly exited the project just before Thanksgiving. Producers are Andrew Hauptman and Working Title partners Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner.

12/3/07 - Variety: Many top names free for spring films -- "...Universal took advantage of the availability of Russell Crowe to keep "State of Play" going, but that was an anomaly. He is poised to step into a fully formed picture, with sets constructed, Kevin Macdonald ready to direct, and a stellar cast -- Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman and Robin Wright Penn -- all locked into pay-or-play deals. Indications are that Crowe likes the script, and the studio and his WMA reps are trying to make a deal that will allow him time to report to the Ridley Scott-directed drama "Nottingham" in March. Even if the start date of "State of Play" gets pushed a bit, U is financing both films and won't have to barter with a rival studio nervous that Crowe will be late arriving to Sherwood Forest."

11/29/07 - (Note: Final negotiations doesn't mean signed on the dotted line, so some restraint is needed here) -- The Hollywood Reporter: Russell Crowe is in final negotiations to replace Brad Pitt in "State of Play," saving Universal and Working Title's delayed political thriller from shutting down. - Thanks, Kris C - Also at Reuters - Thanks, Marilyn