Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler is to star in a new soccer movie.

The '300' actor - an avid Celtic fan - has signed up to appear in 'Dynamo', a true-life tale which chronicles an historic game between an occupied Ukrainian team and their Nazi captors during World War II.

The game - which was dubbed The Death Match - saw the Nazis pit a squad of well-treated German players against a starving group of Ukrainians with the expectation of an easy win.

However, their opponents, spurred on by goalkeeper Nikolai Trusevich - who Gerard will play - fought back and ultimately inspired their entire city.

The film is based on Andy Dougan's book 'Dynamo: Defending The Honour Of Kiev' and has a script by Eli Richbourg.

The project does not yet have a director in place, but Riviera Pictures, Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo., and Jeremy Garelick will produce.

Pathé co-developed and will co-produce and distribute the film worldwide.

'Dynamo' will shoot in Europe some time next year.

More movie news and notes…

Production of 'Noah' has been halted because of Hurricane Sandy.

Darren Aronofsky has cancelled all filming for the forthcoming movie - which is based on the biblical tale which sees the titular character build a huge ark to save everyone from a forthcoming flood - in New York City while cast members including Russell Crowe, Emma Watson and Sir Anthony Hopkins weather out the violent storm currently tearing up the East Coast of America.

The irony of the situation wasn't lost on Emma, who tweeted: "I take it that the irony of a massive storm holding up the production of Noah is not lost @DarrenAronofsky @russellcrowe".

Meanwhile, Oscar-winner Russell was passing time by indulging in a cup of British breakfast tea.

He joked on twitter: "Found Yorkshire tea at Myers of Keswick on Hudson Street, NY. Teapot and 1953 coronation cup. Aah Tea, it's the ritual perfect for Hurricanes (sic)"

Director Darren is worried about the fate of his two giant purpose-built arks, one inside a Brooklyn sound stage, the other moored in New York's Oyster Bay where flooding and wind gusts of up to 63 mph have been reported.

Production was scheduled to finish soon so the outdoor ark - which is not sea-worthy and measures 450 feet long, 75 feet tall and 45 feet wide - has been partially dismantled.

But it is feared costly repairs could be necessary, the Los Angeles Times newspaper is reporting.

'Noah's Ark' is set for release in March 2014.

© Bang Showbiz