Ridley Scott's 'Nottingham' Turns Historical, Gains Blanchett

Everyone can breathe out a sigh of relief, and breathe in some Cate Blanchett-laced fresh air.

What was once a cockeyed rumor of an idea to have Russell Crowe play both Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham -- everso distinctively entitled, at the time, Nottingham -- has now, according to Variety, transformed into a somewhat historically-based rendition of a fairy tale once brought to life by the likes of a giant red fox, a guy who built a baseball diamond in a cornfield, James Bond, and ... well, there's nothing cute or biting you should say about Errol Flynn, 'cause he'd whip anything with two legs if he had a rapier in hand.

Ridley Scott's still set to direct, with L.A. Confidential adaptation scribe Brian Helgeland doing some re-write work and Brian Grazer producing. We know that Scott can throw together an engrossing medieval-themed historical picture by watching his director's cut of Kingdom of Heaven, so it should at least be a boisterous, epic-scaled time at the theater. Scott's also got some experience with swashbuckling (The Duellists) as well, tacking another plus onto his swordplay experience with Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven.

The great news coming out of all this, however, is that the rumors of Scott tapping Academy-award winning actress Cate Blanchett (The Aviator, Elizabeth) to play Maid Marian are, in fact, true. Pairing her with Crowe in a serious story about the 'steal from the rich, give to the poor' bard is very enticing, something that will hopefully flesh out into something grand in scale.

Just for sticks and giggles, Scott should consider throwing Cary Elwes of Robin Hood: Men in Tights into some bit part for the heck of it. As for a suitable Sheriff of Nottingham, anybody will do as long as Crowe himself isn't aiming for the dual role. Personally, I'd see what Paul Giamatti's up to, but that'll be up to the casting director and Scott. Either way, color me excited.Current News