Russell Crowe to Play Beyonce's Lover in New A Star Is Born?

Russell Crowe and Beyonce have emerged as the frontrunners for the lead roles in a remake of classic movie A Star Is Born.

Robert Downey, Jr. was attached to the male lead at one point, but now it seems the Gladiator star has taken his place.

Crowe is the new favorite to play an ageing, alcoholic musician who mentors and falls in love with a younger female star.

The film was a big screen hit in the 1930s and it has already been reworked twice, with Judy Garland and James Mason in 1957 and Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in 1976.

Nick Cassavettes is onboard to direct the film, which is rumoured to feature Mad Men star Jon Hamm, Alicia Keys and Rihanna.