Russell Crowe to direct feature film

London, July 24 (IANS) Actor Russell Crowe is set to don the director's hat for a feature film. He will direct a biopic on late comedy legend Bill Hicks.

The 48-year-old was originally in talks to play the lead role in the project, but will now step behind the camera for the film, written by his former schoolmate Mark Staufer, reports starpulse.com.

"Bill Hicks' life is tragically short, but spectacularly interesting. The screenplay has gone through a number of drafts and we'll go into production early next year," said Staufer.

"It is a huge role for someone, made all the more special, or downright scary, by the fact the director is an Oscar-winning actor like Russell," he said.

Hicks lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 1994. He was 32.

The project won't be Crowe's first directorial challenge. He has previously shot short films and his singer wife Danielle Spencer's music videos.