The Precious director revealed he had signed up the X Men star to appear in his US civil rights drama, about the relationship between Martin Luther King and President Lyndon B. Johnson, USA Today reports.

Daniels said: "I have to really start casting the movie because we're shooting it soon - the only person I've nailed in for sure is Hugh Jackman."

It is not known if Jackman has been cast as President Johnson, which along with King and his wife Coretta Scott King is one of the three main roles.

Daniels aims to give a more complex portrayal of King than in previous film representations, not underplaying his achievements, but not showing him as a saint.

He said: I had to do a lot of homework on the script, and I spent a lot of time writing. I feel like I'm caught up a little bit with that."

Daniels hopes to begin shooting in May.

Meanwhile, film blog Hollywood 411, claims Wolverine 2, which will also star Jackman, is due to start shooting in January.

The film is currently without a director or supporting cast but Christopher McQuarrie's script is reportedly finished.