Tom Hiddleston is to star in 'High-Rise'.

The 32-year-old actor has joined the cast in the movie adaptation of JG Ballard's 1975 novel, which is being directed by Ben Wheatley, after he landed the lead role.

Wheatley announced the news on his Twitter page and personal blog, writing: ''HIGH RISE: Here we go. Cant quite believe this is happening. Tom Hiddleston! Jeremy Thomas! Script by Amy Jump (sic).''

The movie follows the lives of an affluent community which descends into chaos when it is cut off from society in a luxury block of flats.

Wheatley - who is currently filming an episode of 'Doctor Who' with Peter Capaldi - admitted last year he was a fan of Ballard, who died in 2009.

He said previously: ''I love Ballard's work. This project started out with me looking at my bookcase, seeing the book, and thinking, 'That would make a great film'.

''The idea is to be true to Ballard. I was born in 1972, so one of the attractions of the film was that I kind of imagine myself as one of the kids running around on the estate and my parents as the adults.''

Meanwhile, Hiddleston will next be seen alongside Tilda Swinton in Jim Jarmusch's vampire film, 'Only Lovers Left Alive.'

Filming for 'High-Rise' will kick off in June this year.