Will Cate Blanchett Save 'Nottingham'?

Does it make me a bad person that I couldn't have been happier when Sienna Miller and Nottingham decided to go their separate ways? Nothing personal, but I wasn't envisioning Miller fairing too well up against a dramatic heavy like Russell Crowe. Luckily, for those of out there who still think that Nottingham has a chance of being a darn good flick, there is a light on the horizon and her name is Cate Blanchett. During an event for the London Film Critics' Circle Awards, newly arrived Nottingham cast member, Mark Strong told the UK Telegraph, "I think Cate Blanchett is set to take the Maid Marian part," Strong went on to sing the praises of the Aussie actress and told the Telegraph, "She is a wonderful actress and it would make it a much classier film if she was in it." -- Amen to that brother.

For those of you who haven't been following the travails of Scott's Robin Hood update, here is a quick little primer: First up were those bogus script reports that made Crowe's choice of dual roles sound like a bad episode of The Bobbsey Twins. But the hits kept coming, and next up was a shutdown on the set, unflattering stories that Crowe and Scott were at each other's throat, and finally Sienna Miller got the old heave-ho thanks to Crowe's so-called "gross" appearance, or her bad acting (depending on who you believe) -- not exactly the kind of anecdotes you want to end up on the DVD commentary.

But, the optimist in me wants to believe that Nottingham's troubles are in the past, and if Blanchett is on board, Crowe will be getting a Maid Marian that can stand her ground. The Oscar-winning actress has already lined up three other projects for 2009, with The Fantastic Mr. Fox slated next, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she can find some time in her busy schedule to swing by Sherwood Forest.

Stay tuned to Cinematical for the official word, and Nottingham (with or without Ms. Blanchett) will arrive in theaters in 2010.