When we think of actors who seem naturals to transform into kung fu warriors, Russell Crowe is not exactly top of our list. But then, we would have said that about Michael Cera, and that turned out well enough. Still, Hip-hop veteran-turned-filmmaker RZA clearly thinks Crowe’s got the moves, as he’s convinced him to co-star in The Man With the Iron Fist.
According to E! Online, who spoke to RZA at the VMAs, Crowe is going to be a big hit. With his fists. Because it’s about fighting. While RZA is starring as a weapons-making blacksmith in feudal China, he’s staying mum about Crowe’s role for now. “I won't spoil it for you, but Russell's gonna be the baddest man alive," he tells the site. "That man is in fighting shape. That man will knock you out." Insert easy joke about phones here.
RZA and Crowe-ching Tiger, Hidden Dragon have some history – they both acted in** American Gangster** and even ended up creating a song together, which never actually saw the light of day. "It's nerve-wracking," RZA says about being the director responsible for marshalling Crowe. "He's a master of the craft. I'm quite sure that I may learn something from him."
Iron Fist (not related to the Marvel comic character that nabbed a screenwriter a couple of weeks ago) has been developing for the Wu-Tang Clan founder for a few years now, with input from Quentin Tarantino and Eli Roth, who has co-written the script and will co-produce.