Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe is set to play Count Dracula in a new film.

The actor will take on the role of the famous vampire in director Eli Roth's new movie 'Harker'.

The film, which is expected to start production in 2013, follows Jonathan Harker, a tough London detective on the hunt for the ghoulish figure behind a string of gory murders.

The script has been written by Lee Shipman and Brian McGreevy and the title role of Harker has yet to be cast.

A source told Deadline: "Once they figure out the story then they'll figure out who's right to play him."

Russell and 'Hostel' director Eli have previously worked together on 'The Man With The Iron Fists'.

Jaume Collet-Serra was originally attached to direct but a scheduling conflict with his movie 'Nonstop' meant he had to pull out of the Warner Bros. production.

Russell will next star in 'Noah', based on the epic biblical tale of a man who is told by God the world will be flooded and he must save a pair of every animal by building a huge ark.

'Noah' is expected to be released in the summer of 2013.