"Nottingham" has been delayed until 2009, with Universal Pictures blaming the "cloud of the SAG [Screen Actor's Guild] strike" as the reason for the setback.

"The Edge of Love" star Sienna previously spoke about her role in the film, saying just weeks ago: "It's happening. I just found out. It's the most exciting news in the world. I couldn't have a better part in the film."

Universal Pictures also said "Nottingham" – to be directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe as a heroic Sheriff of Nottingham in a new twist on the classic tale – has been plagued by problems over its location and screenplay.

A statement from the studio said: "The screenplay is not yet where the studio and filmmakers want it to be in terms of realizing the full value of the story and the film's forest locations also need to be green."

"Universal could have moved forward with one of these challenges, but the confluence of the three caused the studio to reconsider and take the time for all conditions to be optimal."

Scott has promised "Nottingham" will subvert traditional views of Robin Hood and take a sympathetic view of The Sheriff of Nottingham, and possibly feature a love triangle between The Sheriff, Maid Marion and Robin Hood.