Russel Crowe and his compatriot Nicole Kidman are back in their native Australia for the shooting of the romantic movie Eucalyptus, based on award-winning novel by Murray Bail. The actors will have more time to enjoy a stay in their native land and rehearse, since the shooting has been postponed due to script problems.

"After consulting with all the creative elements involved in Eucalyptus, we have collectively agreed that the screenplay is not where we need it to be," said Fox Searchlight Pictures president Peter Rice. "For that reason, we are postponing the production."

The shooting was due to begin February 9th, but has been suspended until the studio approves of the new script.

The original story of Eucalyptus revolves around a New South Wales widower, who plants hundreds of varieties of eucalyptus trees and would let only the suitor who can distinguish between the species to marry his daughter Ellen. An expert finally succeeds at the test, but Ellen unexpectedly falls for a stranger who lures her with stories of missed opportunities.

 Kidman refused a part in the remake of The Producers in order to appear in Eucalyptus.