After Brad Pitt dropped out of State of Play, director Kevin Macdonald was desperate to get another star attached as the project was heading into production. Russell Crowe was approached, and according to Variety, has now agreed to appear in the film.

Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman and Robin Wright Penn were all ready to begin filming last week. But production was halted when Pitt dodged out right before Thanksgiving.

Crowe is set to play a newspaper journalist investigating a killing that leads to a fast rising politician. Two problems arise out of this situation. One, the journalist used to work for the rising politician. And two, he has fallen in love with the politician's estranged wife.

The film will begin shooting early this month in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

State of Play was released April 17th, 2009 and stars Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels, Michael Berresse. The film is directed by Kevin Macdonald.