Actor Russell Crowe has agreed to replace Brad Pitt, who pulled out of Kevin Macdonald's "State of Play" due to disagreements over the script. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

    BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Australian actor Russell Crowe has agreed to replace Brad Pitt, who pulled out of Kevin Macdonald's "State of Play" due to disagreements over the script, media reported Tuesday.

    Crowe, 2001 best actor Oscar winner for his role in "Gladiator," is to play the role of an investigative journalist looking into the murder of a lawmaker's mistress, co-starring Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman and Robin Wright Penn.

    Crowe's replacement will avoid a protracted delay in its shooting, according to film industry media.

    Brad Pitt pulled out of the Universal Picture's political thriller last month following two weeks of meetings with the Scottish director ("The Last King of Scotland"). The script cannot be worked on because of the Hollywood screenwriters' strike.

    Pitt's decision could prompt a possible lawsuit if he caused the film to be scrapped.

    (Agencies)

Pitt abandons Universal film because of script

    BEIJING, Nov. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Citing problems with the script, Brad Pitt has pulled out of Universal Picture's political thriller "State of Play."

    Pitt made the decision following two weeks of meetings with director Kevin Macdonald ("The Last King of Scotland"). The script cannot be worked on because of the Hollywood screenwriters' strike. Full story