Blanchett to play Maid Marian alongside Crowe's Robin Hood

Washington, February 26 (ANI): A Ridley Scott-directed adventure film for Universal Pictures will feature actress Cate Blanchett in the role of Maid Marian, alongside Russell Crowe who will be playing Robin Hood.

'Nottingham', the film that is undergoing a title change, begins production in early April.

Imagine Entertainment's Brian Grazer is making it in collaboration with Scott and his Scott Free banner.

Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris originally scripted the drama, but it was later rewritten by Brian Helgeland.

A 130 million-dollar budget has been earmarked for the film's production, and the producers are hopeful of benefiting from favourable exchange rates and tax credits that come from shooting in London.

In the film, Crowe plays Robin of Loxley. Abandoned as a child, he finds community with the common people of Nottingham.

His abandonment and trust issues hamper his ability to fall in love. He meets his match in a strong, independent woman named Marian.

Initially Sienna Miller was to play the role of Marian, but she exited late last year.

Grazer said Blanchett was a strong match for Crowe.

"They are both highly accomplished dramatic actors who are taken seriously playing rich characters in period pieces, but each has the ability to show you fun," Variety magazine quoted Grazer as saying.

Last seen in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', Blanchett has joined forces with George Clooney to provide the lead voices in the Wes Anderson-directed animated 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'. (ANI)