> Russell Crowe to play Steve Irwin?

The Oscar-winning Australian actor - who has repeatedly spoken of his affection for friend Steve after he was tragically killed, aged just 44, by a stingray - is in talks with Universal Studios about making a biopic.

Crowe, 42, is desperate to make the movie as he feels it would be a fitting tribute to the wildlife advertisement

An insider told In Touch Weekly magazine: "It's not about money for Russell - it's about honouring his friend.

"Steve once told Russell that he wanted him to play him in a movie version of his life."

A public memorial was held for father of two Steve on Wednesday.

His eight-year-old daughter Bindi read out a tribute to her dad and a pre-recorded video message from Crowe was broadcast.

The 'Gladiator' star said: "We've all lost a friend, we've lost a champion, and we're going to take some time to adjust to that."

Other tributes came from Australian Prime Minister John Howard, 'Dances With Wolves' star Kevin Costner and Cameron Diaz.

Australian TV executives are already in talks about releasing a DVD of the memorial service which was attended by 5,000 people.