Oscar-winning star Matthew McConaughey has entered into talks to appear in `Free State Of Jones`, which tells the story of Newton Knight, who led a famous rebellion in America's Civil War.

McConaughey is interested in the project, which is being led by `Hunger Games` director Gary Ross.

McConaughey, 45, is in discussions to play the role of Knight, who was once a loyal Confederate recruit, but later defected from the army and led a group of troops who created the Free State of Jones, reports deadline.com.

As the story progresses, Knight marries a slave, which was one of the first ever publicised mixed race unions in the south, and frees enslaved children after the conflict ends.

The project is being driven by Ross, 58, who has been striving to get the film made for quite some time.