Sean Penn is in negotiations to play surfing icon Dorian 'Doc' Paskowitz.

The Oscar-winning actor - who launched his career playing surfer Jeff Spicoli in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' - will produce the film about the eccentric Paskowitz and his family and is keen to take on the main role.

Producers Alan and Gabe Polsky, who recently produced 'Bad Lieutenant', are also involved in the project after optioning the life rights to the Paskowitz family.

For the past two decades, many producers - including Matt Weaver and Graydon Carter - had tried unsuccessfully to secure the rights to Paskowitz's life but his family only gave them to the Polskys once it was confirmed Penn was involved in the project.

Penn's close friend Paul Feldsher, known for producing 'The Four Feathers' and 'Waking Up in Reno', will write the screenplay.

Paskowitz became a cult hero for abandoning a successful medical career to live on the road in a camper with his wife and nine children.