Early reports indicate that Russell Crowe is close to finalizing a deal to star as Noah in Darren Aronofsky’s biblical re-telling of the building of Noah’s Ark. The film, which comes after Aronofsky had briefly considered helming the Moses epic Exodus for Fox, looked to have its Noah in Christian Bale. But due to a conflicting shooting schedule – he’s working with Terrence Malick on Lawless and Knight of Cups – the project was left without a star. Needing a big star to ensure proper financing, Aronofsky, after months of searching, has settled on Crowe, who is no stranger to water having toplined Peter Weir’s Master & Commander.
When talking about the genesis behind wanting to do film Aronofsky hopes that he can “present a window into Noah’s passion and perseverance for the silver screen.”