Russell Crowe Faces “The Man With the Iron Fist”Australian-born Hollywood actor Russell Crowe (GLADIATOR) has signed on to co-star in the martial arts action film THE MAN WITH THE IRON FIST along with former Wu Tang Clan member The RZA, who will star and make his directorial debut with the film. According to E! Online, The RZA confirmed that he has signed Crowe but has not revealed his role. However, from The RZA’s comment about Crowe, Crowe may play the film’s villain. The RZA will play a blacksmith in feudal China who eventually becomes a hero. The film will mark the third collaboration between Crowe and the RZA. The duo appeared in the 2007 Ridley Scott film AMERICAN GANGSTER opposite Denzel Washington. They will be on-screen together again in Paul Haggis’ THE NEXT THREE DAYS, due out in November. Aside from directing, The RZA has written the screenplay with veteran filmmaker Eli Roth (HOSTEL). The RZA, Roth and Quentin Tarantino are serving as producers on the film, which begins production this December in Shanghai. Universal Pictures will release THE MAN WITH THE IRON FIST in 2011.