 Director Ridley Scott (qv) had read the first draft of  Steven Zaillian (qv)s screenplay before filming  _Kingdom of Heaven (2005)_ (qv) and instantly became interested in  directing it. While filming his next feature,  _Good Year, A (2006)_ (qv), Scott and Russell Crowe (qv)  extensively discussed the project, which ultimately led to them  signing on.