Oscar winner Russell Crowe said Tuesday he is "appalled" at rumours he was intent on garnering the lead role in film about late wildlife documentary maker Steve Irwin.

The Australian television network, ABC, quoted the New Zealand-born Crowe saying it was "awful that I have to deal with millions of people thinking I would dance on my friend's grave."

Crowe, 42, was a friend of the famed Crocodile Hunter and recorded a eulogy in New York City that was played at last week's memorial service at Irwin's Australia Zoo near Brisbane.

Irwin died September 4 after being speared in the heart by a stingray while snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. He was 44.

The ABC also quoted Crowe as saying that money was the factor behind Hugh Jackman replacing him as Nicole Kidman's screen partner in director Baz Luhrmann's as-yet untitled Outback film.

Crowe had been picked for the role, but Jackman was a last-minute replacement for the Gladiator star as rehearsals loomed.

"I just didn't want to work on that movie in the type of environment that was being created because of the needs of the budget," Crowe said. "I do charity work -- but I don't do charity work for major studios."

You bet he doesn't. He does whatever he damn well wants! Crowe had no comment as to whether he would throw a phone at Jackman the next time the two cross paths.