RUSSELL CROWE WANTS TO BE IN STATE OF PLAY.
-If he gets it, Brad Pitt is gone and maybe sued by Universal Pictures.

Pitt left, because he thought the shooting script was garbage and the studio rushed the production of the film- when the writer's strike started. Since, Pitt wasn't about to do "struck" work, he walked off the project. Universal may consider this- a breach of his contract and go after the popular actor in court.

Meanwhile, Russell only has until the end of this week to make a decision. If he declines, all the actors and staff will be released from their contract. Plus, the American Gangster hero's schedule is too tight with a Robin Hood Redex (Nottingham) with director Ridley Scott starting early next year.