Nicole Kidman Joins Russell Crowe for "Eucalyptus"

It appears the troubled "Eucalyptus" movie (there was even a rumor the movie would be abandoned) has another big-name star joining the cast. Nicole Kidman has taken a role in the Australian fable, according to Variety. Newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard was recently dropped from the production.

"Eucalyptus" is based on the 1998 novel by Murray Bail. Set on a eucalyptus plantation in Australia, a father is holding a bizarre contest for gentlemen interested in wedding his gorgeous daughter. In order to win his daughter's hand in marriage, the suitor must correctly name every species of gum trees on the estate.

Russell Crowe will star as a stranger who journeys to the plantation and captivates the daughter by weaving exotic tales set in distant countries. Geoffrey Rush will co-star in "Eucalyptus" with director Jocelyn Moorhouse at the helm. Moorhouse wrote the script with Michelle Joyner.

Russell Crowe just completed work on "The Cinderella Man," the true story of Depression-era fighter Jim Braddock. Nicole Kidman is working on "The Interpreter" with Sean Penn and is currently filming "Bewitched" with Will Ferrell.

SOURCE: Variety