Russell Crowe has replaced Mads Mikkelsen in new true-life spy thriller Billion Dollar Spy.
The Cold War-set film was first announced back in 2020, with Mikkelsen originally slated to star as Adolf Tolkachev, a Soviet man who risked everything to pass secret intelligence to the US.
It has now been confirmed that Oscar-winner Crowe will take over the role, with Industry's Harry Lawtey replacing original star Armie Hammer as the story's main CIA agent, according to Deadline.
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The film comes from A United Kingdom director Amma Asante, with Traffic's Stephen Gaghan working on the latest version of a screenplay originally written by Ben August.
Based on the book by David E Hoffman, Billion Dollar Spy focuses on Tolkachev, who tried to stand up to the Soviet regime by supplying intelligence to the US, though faced numerous rejections from the CIA.
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However, he finds an ally in CIA agent Tom Lenihan (Lawtey), who helps to pass on secrets that shift the balance of power between East and West.
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"Adolf Tolkachev’s bravery reminds us that true heroism often comes at great personal risk, and his legacy is a testament to the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming danger," said producers Walden Media's president and CEO Frank Smith.
"We are especially thrilled to again work with the great Russell Crowe, who is no stranger to tour-de-force performances."
Crowe has been busy in the last year or so, starring in Kraven the Hunter and The Exorcism, while also featuring in archive footage in Gladiator II.
Lawtey, who is best known for appearing in TV series Industry, featured last year in Joker: Folie à Deux as Harvey Dent, and is due to appear as Richard Burton in Mr Burton.
Billion Dollar Spy is yet to confirm a release date.
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
