Joaquin Phoenix to star in religious cult film

Joaquin Phoenix has officially signed up to the cast of P.T. Anderson's new film.

The actor will play an alcoholic drifter who joins a religious cult led by Philip Seymour Hoffman's character, before having doubts about his faith, Deadline reports.

It will be his first film since the controversial mockumentary I'm Still Here where he played himself.

Anderson is reportedly considering Amy Adams, Laura Dern and Lena Endre for the lead female roles.

Shooting will begin in June, following the Weinstein Company's successful bid for the worldwide rights for the film, formerly titled The Master.

Phoenix is also rumoured to be in talks for the horror comedy Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.