A hard day's work on the Ark? Russell Crowe shows off grey beard and scruffy new look as an ageing Noah in the Biblical blockbuster

Russell Crowe is known for throwing himself into his roles, and his latest film is no different.
The 48-year-old is playing Noah in the latest big screen adaptation of one of the Bibles greatest stories - and he's certainly at pains to make his character's journey on the famed Ark as realistic as possible.
The actor sported a full grey beard and bushy wig as he was spotted on the set of the eagerly awaited Biblical blockbuster Noah.

Scruffy: Russell Crowe sported a full grey beard and bushy hair as he was spotted on the set of the eagerly awaited Biblical blockbuster Noah

The bulked up actor looked in a pensive mood as the strode purposefully around the New York set, wearing tattered clothes to complete the scruffy look.

 

He had previously been seen on set with a shaved head, but it looks like we've caught Russell filming on one of Noah's latter days on the Ark.
Crowe is playing the titular hero in Darren Aronofsky's forthcoming epic, which tells the story of Noah's divine mission to build an Ark to save every species on animal before the earth is flooded.
The epic movie, which is reported to have a budget of £78 million, boasts a star studded cast, which includes Ray Winstone, Emma Watson and Crowe's A Beautiful Mind co-star Jennifer Connelly.

Going Biblical: Crowe stars as Noah in the latest screen adaptation of the famed story

Pensive: The actor strode purposefully around the New York set

Big budget: The Biblical blockbuster is scheduled for release next year

The story has reportedly been given a new twist, and it will be set in modern times.
It will be Aronofsky's first film after the Oscar winning ballet drama Black Swan - and is scheduled for release on March 28, 2014.
Despite the recent sad news that he's split with his wife of nine years, Danielle Spencer, Crowe has retained his humour.

Tough guys: Ray Winston stars in the film, as does Logan Lerman

Dressed up: The actor has adopted a scruffy look for his new movie

Referencing his grey beard. he joked on his Twitter page: 'The beard will be gone mid November so, no, I’m not booking Christmas shows #missedopportunity.'
He has also been embarking on a gruelling fitness work out as he takes his mind off the break -up.
Crowe regularly tweets his daily fitness regime, and he posted on Tuesday: 'Ride turned in to a bit of fun, certainly upped the speed, did the 11.6km in 30 mins,only 1 pap stayed on pace,I congratulated him.'
It's not yet known what caused the break-up, but a friend of Spencer has pointed the finger at the Oscar winning star for the shock split.
A  friend has been quoted as saying: 'Danielle is a very giving person and has been very supportive of Russell over the years.
'She's raised his children pretty much single-handedly while giving Russell the chance to get on with his sparkling career.
'But a showbusiness marriage should still be a two-way street and he has been less behind her career than she has been behind his. She's had to struggle on with the children, keep up her songwriting and singing while he's been able to do his own thing in the US.'