Nicholas Hoult to play J.D. Salinger in new biopic

British actor Nicholas Hoult will portray beloved author J.D. Salinger in the upcoming biopic Rebel in the Rye.

The film will chronicle the acclaimed writer's life as he begins his most famous novel, The Catcher in the Rye. The film will follow Salinger's rise to success, as well as his subsequent life of seclusion.

Rebel in the Rye is based on author Kenneth Slawenski's biography, J.D. Salinger: A Life, and the script is being adapted for the screen by Golden Globe winner Danny Strong.

The project will also mark Strong's directorial film debut. He previously directed an episode of hit hip-hop series Empire, which he co-created with Lee Daniels.

The movie's producers are expected to introduce the film to foreign buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival in September (15).