Russell Crowe wants to play late naturalist Steve Irwin in a movie about his life. Irwin was killed earlier this month when a stingray barb stabbed him in the heart while he filmed off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Fellow Australian Crowe was close to the Crocodile Hunter star and paid tribute to his friend in a video message at a public memorial service this week. Sources say Crowe has already contacted Universal Studios with plans for an Irwin biopic.

An insider says, "It's not about money for Russell - it's about honoring his mate. Steve once told Russell that he wanted him to play him in a movie version of his life."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)