Friends Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe are set to star together in a movie by Baz Luhrmann.

The pair will finally get to work with each other when filming for the Moulin Rouge director's latest movie begins in Australia in June. They have reportedly been hoping to get a project together since 2005's Eucalyptus collapsed.

Crowe told Hollywood.com: "It's set in the 1930s and 40s and I can tell you it's a romance and I do a bit of horse riding and a bit of swooning with Nic."

"Baz has talked to Nic and me a lot about this film and we're both up for it. I've known Nic for a long time, but we've never worked together; and I've known Baz for while," continued the Gladiator star. "And the important thing is that it's nearly six months working in Australia."

Sydney-based Crowe will be able to stay close to wife Danielle Spencer, who is expecting their second child in July.

He added: "We start rehearsals in May and the cameras roll in June. It's perfect timing on all fronts - although some of the locations are pretty remote."