Crowe wants to play Irwin

New York -- Oscar winning actor Russell Crowe is keen to star as the late crocodile hunter Steve Irwin in a movie about his life.

According to Hollywood.com, Irwin was killed when a stingray stabbed him in the heart while filming. Crowe was close to Irwin and has even contacted Universal Studios with plans for a movie on Irwin. An informed source said: "It's not about money for Russell, it's about honouring his mate. Steve once told Russell that he wanted him to play him in a movie version of his life."