Billy Crudup to 'Eat' in for Columbia

Actor joins Julia Roberts starrer 'Love'

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Crudup

Billy Crudup has joined "Eat, Pray, Love," the Columbia Pictures adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir that stars Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem and Richard Jenkins. Ryan Murphy is directing a script he wrote with Jennifer Salt.

Crudup will play Steven, who is married to Gilbert (Roberts). His hopes to have children are dashed when her quest to get pregnant leaves her feeling she is not living the life she wants. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery around the world.

Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner are producing through Plan B.

Pic begins shooting next week.

Crudup most recently starred in the Michael Mann-directed "Public Enemies" and Zack Snyder's "Watchmen."