Ever since “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin’s tragically early death at the barb of a stingray a few weeks ago, tabloids around the world have been buzzing at the prospect of Russell Crowe – a good mate of Irwin who led the tributes via a video at his memorial – wanting to star in a biopic of the naturalist’s life.
Now Crowe has silenced the rumours with an angry denial while out promoting the new Ridley Scott film A Good Year.
"There's no truth to that whatsoever," Crowe said. "That's one of those appalling pieces of shit that come out of the press. While my friend's body is still warm, I'm being accused of doing commerce over his grave, and it absolutely disgusts me."
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But he’s not opposed to the idea of a film that celebrates Irwin’s life. "Should there be a movie about Steve? For sure," he added. "What an incredible and unique life he led. His childhood, growing up with his mum and dad in a reptile park, but his ambitions turning that simple reptile park into the greatest zoo in Australia, and from my individual perspective, the place that really cares about the animals. What people really don't understand about Steven is Steven was, first and foremost, a conservationist, probably the most individually active conservationist in the world. What he stood for was far more than being the funny guy on TV. Serious people at serious universities realised who he really was."
Given Irwin’s popularity, a movie based on his life and work is surely certain – it’s more a question of when than if…
