RUSSELL CROWE has been confirmed as BRAD PITT's replacement in political thriller STATE 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 on-board 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)