Credit Crunch Casting

http://www.empireonline.com/features/credit-crunch-casting/17.asp

In these times of economic crisis and following the budget report, it is obvious that we will all have to make sacrifices. For us little people, this could mean not buying that new outfit, or shopping for own-brand baked beans in Lidl. But for the big boys at the movie studios, even more difficult decisions will have to be made. So Empire, always a beacon of help in difficult times, has put together this list of cheaper alternatives for the biggest stars in Hollywood - so that casting agents can make savvy budget busting choices, without leaving us wanting in the cinema.

Can't afford Russell Crowe? Get Gerard Butler

They're tough guys with a penchant for togas, apparently eat testosterone for breakfast, have roaring voices and are known for their wild personal antics, so as Academy Award winner Russell Crowe continues to make his mark on Hollywood, studios could economise in style with some prime Scottish Beef in the shape of Gerard Butler.

I didn't think that Gerry was worth much less than Russell anymore.

What's interesting is that a lot of people G's worked with are also on the same side, except for Jolie and Heigl. I'm a little surprised with Heigl, though. She's only released two movies.

And Michael was there too, compared to Christain Bale-no. 10.

How do we know what RC and GB are pay for their latest films in order to truly compare them? Imdb says RC was paid $15 million for Cinderella Man (2005). Does anyone knows GB's ballpark figure?

I thought domestic bliss had calmed Crowe in the past few years so I'm not sure that wild personal antics fit him any more. He really has the ability to be a chameleon and I am always surprised by his choices. But I can certainly understand looking at cheaper alternatives (if that is paramount) in times such as these. It may actually allow the go-to guys to raise their profile.

Thanks for the article, Alice.

Russel can still command a large salary....plus, I would imagine, a cut of the film's profits, if he wished.

G probably gets about half of that....six million, ballpark.

Still, nothing to sneeze at!