Russell Crowe to direct and act in the psychological thriller Poker Face

Ever since Russell Crowe played the Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in the epic Gladiator, or the Nobel laureate winning mathematician John Nash in A Beautiful Mind and several other notable performances, he has carved a niche for himself as a versatile actor.

The Academy Award-winning actor turned director in 2014 with the drama The Water Diviner that won many awards, including one Academy Award, two Golden Globe awards and more, proving his mettle as a filmmaker. And there is reason to rejoice for his fans, especially those who loved The Water Diviner, as he makes a return as a director after 7 years.

Russell Crowe will direct the upcoming psychological thriller Poker Face. Variety reported that Crowe, who was on board as an actor in the film, will now also don the director’s hat, taking over from the former director Gary Fleder. So, now the actor will direct and star in the Poker Face. Liam Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky and RZA are part of the cast. 

Stephen M. Coates has penned the script. Jake (Crow), is a tech billionaire who turns a gathering with his childhood friends in his Miami estate into a dicey game of poker, in a bid to settle a few scores with them. The friends fall into the well-laid scheme. However, the master-schemer is in for a shock when his plot is overridden by a home invader whose exploits have led to arson and murder before. 

Gary Hamilton, Addam Bramich, Ryan Hamilton, Jeanette Volturno, Jason Clark and Keith Rodger produce the film. Reportedly, the decision of roping in Crowe as the director of the film was taken due to Australia’s Coronavirus restrictions which makes it difficult for Fleder to come down to Australia for the filming. The shooting of Poker Face is underway in Australia, Crowe’s home country, under strict Covid-19 protocols.  

According to the Daily Telegraph, Crowe has finalised many famous locations for the film’s sets, such as the Harbour Tunnel. More details about the film are awaited.