Jason Clarke joins Baz Luhrmann's 'Great Gatsby'

Jason Clarke has been cast in one of the pivotal roles in Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of classic novel The Great Gatsby.

The Australian actor will take on the part of George Wilson, whose wife is having an affair with Gatsby and whose intervention is crucial to the story's end, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Clarke will star alongside Leonardo Di Caprio, who is the titular lead, Tobey Maguire, Isla Fisher and Carey Mulligan as Gatsby's lover Daisy.

The adaptation has been in the works for over two years, with Luhrmann saying at the start of the year that he was unsure whether he wanted to commit to the project.

Clarke has just finished filming the ensemble historical drama The Wettest County in the World which co-stars Avatar actor Sam Worthington.

He is so far best known for his leading role in Brotherhood which revolves around two brothers at opposite ends of the law.