Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe) speaks to his daughter, Rosemarie (Ariel Waller) in a scene from the movie 'Cinderella Man'. - Contributed

Bangshowbiz:

Russell Crowe will star in a remake of Robin Hood - as a 'noble' Sheriff of Nottingham.

The Gladiator star will take the lead role in Nottingham, a twist on the usual tale featuring the lawman as the hero working for a corrupt king.

The 'noble and brave' character will investigate a murder in which outlaw Robin Hood is the main suspect. An industry insider said: "It's a role that will suit Russell. The part is something he'll be able to get his teeth into."

The film will also feature a love triangle between the sheriff, Robin Hood and Maid Marion.

The revisionist take on the Robin Hood legend will give the outlaw a darker side than previous versions. The idea was conceived by writers Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris, whose previous films include Bulletproof Monk.

A director is yet to be confirmed for the film, slated for a 2009 release, but both Gladiator director Ridley Scott and Spider Man 3 filmmaker Sam Raimi have been linked with the project.