Brendan Gleeson

Brendan Gleeson

Brendan Gleeson will join Chris Hemsworth in 'In the Heart of the Sea'.

The 'In Bruges' actor has signed on to star opposite the Hollywood heartthrob in Ron Howard's upcoming action film, based on the true events of a crew shipwrecked at sea on a whaling boat for 90 days, which inspired Herman Melville's classic novel 'Moby-Dick'.

Gleeson, 58, is on board to portray an older version of one of the passengers, who is interviewed about his experiences by Melville.

Up-and-coming Irish star Sam Keeley has also landed a role as key crew member, and will join a confirmed cast including 'The Impossible' actor Tom Holland, 'Inception' hunk Cillian Murphy and 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' star Ben Walke, Variety is reporting.

The drama centres around the crew of the Essex, who survive the destruction of their ship by a sperm whale in 1820 only to be confronted with disease, starvation and even cannibalism.

The film is being overseen by Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow, with Brian Grazer, Joe Roth, Paula Weinstein and William Ward acting as producers.

'In the Heart of the Sea' is scheduled to begin shooting in September.