Unfortunately, this first look only shows Crowe glaring off-camera, and doesn’t feature the wingless demons (!) and giants (!!) that the film is also reported to feature. He’s probably looking over his shoulder at a Perfect Storm-style wave or two zebras doing it or Brownie Bites on the craft services table. We’ll have to wait a long time to find out. (via The Playlist)

Originally, Liam Neeson and Val Kilmer were being considered for the role because Aronofsky wanted someone with “grit and size to be convincing as he goes head to head against [Russell] Crowe’s Noah character.” So… fat guys wrestling? That does sound epic. Though nothing more is known about this nemesis, let’s hope that Aronofsky doesn’t intend for this rivalry to lead to the bedroom as it did in Black Swan. Do not want. (Deadline)

Crowe got on the Twitter to respond to a MovieWeb tweet that Aronofsky was “eyeing” him for the role with a “eyeing him right back…Liam’s eyeing both of us…and Paramount are eyeing us all, including you. Whole lot of eyeing.” Jeez. Get a room, you three.

Now that you’ve had time to wipe the image of a Neeson-Aronofsky-Crowe menage out of your minds, we can get on to Roboc — need another minute? ….

Okay, now we can get back to Robocop. Despite reports, Crowe denied any involvement with that project after flatly answering no to inquiries from fans. You may remember that Aronofsky was once attached to the remake but the deal didn’t pan out. Too bad too. Would be pretty awesome to see Aronofsky, Crowe, Neeson, and Robocop all get into bed together. (ComicBookMovie)

That left Aronofsky needing someone of star caliber who could carry such an expensive film, which means he might get Russell Crowe. Though this has the danger of off-setting Crowe’s adaptation of the 1980′s TV show The Equalizer. It’s going to be a tough choice for Russell, I’m sure. Another popular name being floated for the film is Liam Neeson. It’s not known if he’s being eyed to play Noah himself or the film’s major villain. I say go with the villain. The Ark has wolves. Liam Neeson punches wolves. It’s simple math. Take the rest of the day off, Hollywood. (Deadline)

No casting has been announced, but Christian Bale‘s name has been floated previously, and the deal was seemingly predicated upon his involvement. In light of this, it remains to be seen how schedules will work out and whether or not Batman will have the time for the project, though we can definitely see him doing a great job with the material. Otherwise, it’s doubtful this will get off the ground without an A-lister, so we’ll need to wait and see who snags the role. Ryan Gosling‘s beard watch begins…. now. (Deadline)

Since Bale is like sugar to foreign markets (England loves screaming), it’s expected that bringing him aboard will cause Summit, Paramount, and Fox to get into a rake-fight over the chance to pick up the remaining costs. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique commented in a statement I just made up, “I’m very excited for the opportunity to be cursed out by Bale in front of a full crew. It’s always been a dream of mine to be belittled by Batman. No further questions.” (Vulture)

7 photosJanet Montgomery

Right now, Hollywood is abuzz because of a package he’s sent around for Noah, the edgy retelling of Noah‘s Ark. John Logan is rewriting the original script by Aronofsky and New Regency is looking to take a co-financier role. And anyone else not scared off by the memory of Evan Almighty is welcome to throw in. He’s looking for a budget of $130 million for the project which would be so much easier to get had The Fountain never happened.

Plot details are scarce but I’m guessing that Noah gets addicted to diet pills and a pair of giraffes scissor one another. And then a lion fed up with his fall from celebrity punches a deli slicer. Again, these plot details are unconfirmed. (Deadline)