Russell Crowe certainly turned some heads ... than what fans have seen in recent months. As seen in the side-by-side photo above, Crowe looks to have shed quite a few pounds since last year.

Actor Russell Crowe is returning to the epic ... making a return in the sequel implausible. Crowe's return to this side of history positions him favorably for both critical and commercial success.

A new Cold War thriller has Russell Crowe playing a pivotal role in one of history’s most daring real-life missions.

EXCLUSIVE: Walden Media and Akiva Goldsman‘s Weed Road Pictures are making the Cold War thriller Billion Dollar Spy, with Oscar winner Russell Crowe and Industry’s Harry Lawtey set to headline.