Crowe officially announced as Noah

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LOS ANGELES, April 23 (UPI) -- Hollywood filmmaker Darren Aronofsky has confirmed he cast Russell Crowe in the role of Old Testament figure Noah.

"I'd like to thank Paramount and Regency for backing my team's work to breathe new life into the biblical epic. I rejoice that Russell Crowe will be by my side on this adventure. It's his immense talent that helps me to sleep at night. I look forward to being wowed by him every day," Aronofsky said in a statement issued to The Hollywood Reporter Monday.

Paramount Pictures set a release date of March 28, 2014 for its version of the classic story -- about the man who heeds God's warning and builds an ark to save as many creatures as possible when a disastrous flood comes. Production is slated to begin this summer in Iceland and New York.

Crowe is best known for his work in the films "Cinderella Man," "A Beautiful Mind" and "Gladiator."

Aronofsky's big-screen credits include "Black Swan," "The Wrestler" and "The Fountain."