Russell Crowe will replace Brad Pitt in 'State of Play'.

The Oscar-winning actor has joined the cast - which includes Edward Norton, Dame Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn and Rachel McAdams - saving the project from being closed down.

Universal Pictures had threatened to sue Brad when he pulled out of the film two weeks ago due to "script concerns", however, the company is now expected to drop its legal threats.

The film - adapted from the original BBC mini-series by 'Lions for Lambs' scriptwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan and helmed by 'The Last King of Scotland' director Kevin Macdonald - tells the story of a journalist investigating a murder involving a fast-rising politician.

Russell, 43, will begin filming 'State of Play' next month, before starting his role as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Ridley Scott's 'Nottingham' - a unique adaptation of the traditional Robin Hood story.