RUSSELL CROWE KEEN FOR A STAR IS BORN REMAKE

Russell Crowe is in talks to take on Kris Kristofferson's part in a remake of Barbra Streisand film A Star Is Born - even though Beyonce is no longer attached to the project.

The odd couple were linked to the leading roles in the remake of the 1976 film, in which has-been rocker Kris Kristofferson fell for aspiring pop star Barbra Streisand.

Russell Crowe, who tasted rock star success as the frontman of Thirty Odd Foot Of Grunts, admits he's still interested in making the movie - but doesn't think Beyonce is.

He tells news show Extra, "I think she's pulled out of it. I'm still chatting about it. It's one of those stories that's been made a lot, but I think it's still quite a big focus - you can see that in terms of the popularity of things like American Idol."

And Russell Crowe admits he's an unlikely fan of the TV talent show's wannabe talent: "I have been known to spend many an hour watching American Idol; it's a compelling piece of TV."