Nicholas Hoult is to play acclaimed writer J.D. Salinger in the biopic 'Rebel in the Rye'.

The 25-year-old Brit - who starred alongside Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron in 'Mad Max: Fury Road' earlier this year - will appear as the American writer best known for his controversial novel 'The Catcher in the Rye' in the Danny Strong-directed movie, Variety reports.

Alex Walton of Bloom, which is currently looking for a foreign buyer for the movie, said: '''The Catcher in the Rye' is a classic coming-of-age story which continues to make a significant impression six generations later.

''The world has long been fascinated with J.D. Salinger, whom the talented Nicholas Hoult will bring to life in this enigmatic role.''

Earlier this year, meanwhile, Nicholas revealed he'd like to become the next James Bond - but said he's too young for the part.

Although Nicholas is a self-confessed Bond fan and would relish the opportunity, he doesn't think it's likely.

He shared: ''I think I'm too young! He's (Daniel Craig's) got this film and then one more to go, hasn't he? So that's another five years? I'll only be 30, and I think I'd need another few years behind me to play Bond. Maybe a little further down the road, who knows? I mean, I grew up loving James Bond.''