Russell Crowe “feels at home” in Rome.
The 49-year-old New Zealander is currently in the Italian city promoting his new biblical film Noah.
And apparently he is enjoying himself immensely there, as the star feels a sense of ease amongst the residents.
“Russell feels at home in Rome . . . ever since [his 2000 film] Gladiator, he’s been so popular here,” a source told Page Six.
Earlier this week the actor was spotted dining at Antica Pesa restaurant with a high-profile group that included Paramount Studios executive Rob Moore and 30-year-old stunning Italian actress Daniela Virgilio.
Apparently the A-list dining party were having a blast enjoying the establishment’s fine dishes.
“[They stayed] until the wee hours, eating pasta and Russell was snapping pictures,” an insider revealed.
Russell has had a very interesting week in Rome, as his requests to formally meet the Pope Francis were formally declined.
For quite some time the star took to Twitter to generate enough buzz to convince the Catholic leader to watch Noah.
But the religious figure chose not to, as the Pope can’t endorse anything commercial. Fortunately, however, Russell was able to see the pope live, as the star attended the holy man’s weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday.
The actor takes on the role of the titular biblical character in the adventure movie, which is due for release at the end of March.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, who is also behind 2010’s disturbing thriller Black Swan, the film promises to break the rules.
“I don’t think this going to fit with anyone’s imagined version of Noah,” Russell mused to Empire magazine previously.
“When Darren first called me up he said, ‘Look, I’m going to tell you the title of the project I need you to do with me. I don’t want you to say anything. Then I’m going to make two promises and then we’re going to talk about it.’
“He told me the title, then he said, ‘These are my two promises: one, you won’t be required to wear sandals; and two, never at any stage will you be obligated to stand at the bow of a boat flanked by a giraffe and an elephant.'”
