Celeb News » Winter's Tale For Russell Crowe?

Russell Crowe is reportedly in contention to star as a villain in 'The Winter's Tale'.

Russell Crowe is thought to be in contention to star in 'The Winter's Tale'.

The 'Gladiator' actor is believed to be loosely attached to the role of the villain in the movie, which is set to see the directorial debut of screenwriter Akiva Goldsman.

'Thor' star Tom Hiddleston and 'Flags of our Fathers' actor Benjamin Walker have both been linked with the lead male role in the film, which has no release window as yet.

Bella Heathcote - who is currently starring alongside Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried in sci-fi thriller 'In Time' - is thought to be in contention for the role of terminally ill character Beverly Penn, and Elizabeth Olsen, Gabriele Wilde and Sarah Gadon have also been rumoured.

The movie is set to be based on Mark Helprin's 1983 novel, which is set in a turn-of-the-century New York and tells the love story of orphaned Irish burglar Peter Lake and Beverly.

There is no obvious villain in the movie, but Russell could be set to play Jackson Mead, a bridge planner who aims to create a huge structure that will catch the eye of God and lead to the end of the world.

The Australian actor recently signed up to star in musical movie 'Les Miserables', which will see him play police inspector Javert.