Russell Crowe to direct and star in film Poker Face in Sydney

Russell Crowe is set to step into the director’s chair for the first time since his directorial debut in 2014 for his new movie Poker Face, which is being filmed in Sydney.

Russell Crowe has bagged another win for the Australian film industry and staked his claim on the director’s chair for his ­upcoming action-thriller Poker Face set to start filming in Sydney this month.

Initially cast as just the film’s leading man, it can be revealed Crowe has supplanted American Gary Fleder as director and will step behind the camera for just the second time in his career – the first being his directorial debut The Water Diviner in 2014.

Set in the world of high-stakes gambling and the uber-rich, the twisty thriller will see Crowe play tech millionaire Jake who summons some friends to his palatial abode for a poker game, only for the tables to turn when a vicious home invader crashes the party.

Russell Crowe stars and directs his first film The Water Diviner in 2014. Picture: Mark Brake

Crowe is the only cast member officially ann­ounced, however it’s understood Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA is confirmed to star, with Natalie Portman also rumoured to be circling a role.

And it’s understood Crowe has already initiated a major shift in the film’s script since pulling on the director’s cap.

Originally set in Miami, Florida, it’s understood Crowe is pushing for the script to be revised so that the movie is not only filmed in Sydney but set here too.

“Russell feels that it could make more sense to set the film here and ­showcase some of the amazing parts of his hometown Sydney to the world,” a film insider said.

“It’s seen as an opportunity to show people just how stunning and world-class Sydney is.

“The filming location ­options are mind-boggling.”

While much of the flick is set to be shot at Moore Park’s Fox Studios, a number of other locations have been earmarked, including the jaw-dropping three-­storey, $140 million penthouse atop James Packer’s Crown Residences as well as a sprawling Point Piper mansion overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Russell Crowe with RZA, who is rumoured to be starring in the new movie Poker Face.

Natalie Portman is rumoured to be starring in Crowe’s new film. Picture: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

It’s believed there is also a breakneck car chase scene planned inside the Harbour Tunnel.

The international film coup follows Crowe’s ann­ouncement last month that he plans to build a ‘bespoke’ film studio on a regional pocket of land just outside Coffs Harbour.

“For a number of years, I’ve been thinking how I might be able to combine where I live and my work,” Crowe said at the studio’s announcement attended by NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

Poker Face will be ­produced by Arclight Films in the US and is ­expected to create hundreds of local industry jobs in what is an already booming film and TV sector as a result of Australia’s new-found reputation as a filming hub post-Covid.

Arclight and Crowe were contacted for comment yesterday, with Arclight’s spokesman saying an official announcement on who will direct Poker Face was imminent.

“Any speculation about where the film will be set is entirely speculative,” he said.