RUSSELL CROWE is the favourite to play the British explorer ERNEST SHACKLETON in a new $52 million (£40 million) biopic. The Australian hunk has edged ahead of British stars CLIVE OWEN and JEREMY NORTHAM for the coveted role.

German director WOLFGANG PETERSEN says Crowe is the ideal actor to portray Shackleton in the movie entitled ENDURANCE.

His original choice, GEORGE CLOONEY, opted out earlier this year (01) saying he didn't feel happy about playing a British historical figure. A source close to Petersen says, "Both Owen and Northam would be brilliant but Crowe has the pulling power at the box office. " (MB/WNWCAN/RP)

Source: WENN