Russell Crowe and Will Smith have reportedly given Oscar-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldman a big boost as he attempts to save his directorial debut - they have agreed to play supporting roles.

The two actors, who starred in the Goldman-scripted A Beautiful Mind and I Am Legend, have agreed to be part of his Winter's Tale cast as a favor to the writer/director, according to Vulture.com.

Crowe, who was originally tapped to be a part of the film version of Mark Heprin's fantasy novel last year, will reportedly play a gangster, while Smith will portray a judge.

The leads in the film have yet to be announced.