Russell Crowe Petitions to Play The Crocodile Hunter

The world was shocked to learn of Steve Irwin’s untimely death mere weeks ago. The renowned naturalist and wildlife adventurer was known worldwide as The Crocodile Hunter, which was the name of his popular animal-centric television show that was as much educational as fun to watch.

After a lifetime of close encounters with sharks and crocodiles and dozens of other dangerous species, Irwin died tragically while working in the Great Barrier Reef when a stingray’s barb pierced his heart.

Now the late Australian’s New Zealand-born mate, Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe ("Gladiator" and "A Beautiful Mind"), is petitioning Universal for the honor of playing Irwin in a biopic that Crowe has planned. His passion for the subject suggests that this might be the smartest way the studio could go about making such a film.

Hollywood.com quoted an inside source as saying, "Steve once told Russell that he wanted him to play him in a movie version of his life." Given that Crowe was close to Irwin, it is very possible that his knowledge of and respect for the Croc Hunter would make him the best man for the part. Update: This rumor has been completely debunked, see our update article, Crowe Appalled by Croc Hunter Movie Rumors