Russell Crowe said his new film Poker Face was ‘unshootable’ before he took the reins

Russell Crowe says his new movie Poker Face was an ‘unshootable’ project before he took over.

The Australian actor had a list of demands and agreed to direct and star on one condition – that he could do “whatever I want.”

“It tested my damn patience like you wouldn’t believe, but art is never made in a perfect environment,” the 58-year-old shared The courier mail.

“If you’re waiting for a perfect environment to make your art, you’re just sitting alone for a very, very long time.”

Crowe says he made the decision to make sure the film was “an Australian story.”

“I just explained to the producers like, ‘You’re asking so much it’s going to be a waste of money,'” he says.

The Australian actor had a list of demands and agreed to direct and star on one condition – that he could do ‘whatever the f**k I want’

“You’re going to waste money pretending this is somewhere else,” so I was like, “I’m not interested in that.” If we’re going to make this movie, we’re going to do it in Australia.”

Crowe’s anticipated thriller Poker Face premieres on Australian streaming service Stan.

The film, directed by and starring Crowe, will premiere on November 22.

Poker Face features a roster of Aussie stars led by Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth.

Poker Face showcases a roster of Aussie stars led by Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth (pictured)

Other stars include rapper RZA, Aden Young, Steve Bastoni, Daniel MacPherson and Brooke Satchwell.

Elsa Pataky (Fast and Furious franchise) and Jack Thompson (High Ground) will also appear in the film.

The big-budget action film was put on hiatus last year after a number of crew members tested positive for Covid.

Set in the glamorous world of high-stakes poker, the high-octane film was filmed at Fox Studios and at a number of New South Wales landmarks.

The film, directed by and starring Crowe, will premiere on November 22. Pictured with girlfriend Britney Theriot