Director thrilled at Crowe casting

Russell Crowe has officially signed on for the Noah's Ark movie - and director Darren Aronofsky is "rejoicing".

Gladiator star Crowe has long been tipped to lead the biblical epic, which has been something of a passion project for the filmmaker, and he has now signed on the dotted line, reports The Wrap.

Aronofsky said: "I rejoice that Russell Crowe will be by my side on this adventure. It's his immense talent that helps me to sleep at night."

He added that he is looking forward to being "wowed" by the movie star every day.

So far it isn't known who will join Crowe in Noah although it has previously been reported that Taken star Liam Neeson was being courted for a role.

The movie is Aronofsky's first since his Oscar winner Black Swan.

It will begin shooting in Iceland and New York this summer and is due to be released next year.