Oscar-winner Russell Crowe has taken over the lead role in the upcoming true-life spy thriller Billion Dollar Spy, replacing Mads Mikkelsen. The Cold War-era film, based on the book by David E. Hoffman, tells the story of Adolf Tolkachev, a Soviet man who risked his life to pass secret intelligence to the US.
Crowe will portray Tolkachev, who attempts to stand up to the Soviet regime by supplying valuable intelligence to the CIA. The film also stars Harry Lawtey, known for Industry, who replaces Armie Hammer as the main CIA agent, Tom Lenihan.
Directed by Amma Asante, the film is produced by Walden Media, with Stephen Gaghan handling the screenplay. Crowe’s recent credits include Kraven the Hunter and The Exorcism, while Lawtey is set to appear in Joker: Folie à Deux and as Richard Burton in the upcoming Mr. Burton.
The film is set to explore the bravery and risks Tolkachev took to shift the balance of power during the Cold War, highlighting the power of standing up for what is right.