AceShowbiz -

"Free State of Jones" could be Matthew McConaughey's next starring vehicle. The Oscar-winning actor is in talks to star in the Civil War movie, which is also eying "The Hunger Games" helmer Gary Ross to direct.

According to Deadline, both McConaughey and Ross are the catalysts for the project. Mini studio STX Entertainment is putting a lot of attention to the project, working together with financial firm IM Global and the filmmakers to bring it to American Film Market this week for pre-sales. Shooting for the film could be kicked off as soon as the first quarter of next year.

"Free State of Jones" will be based on the true story of Newton Knight, an American farmer who turned to be one of the best known rebel leaders in Civil War history. He led Knight Company, a band of Confederate Army deserters that turned against the Confederacy during the war. Together, Knight and his men attempted to form the "Free State of Jones" in the area around Jones County, Mississippi.

McConaughey is in talks to play Knight, who was also famous for marrying a former slave. The marriage effectively established a small mixed-race community in southeastern Mississippi, which banned interracial marriages at that time.

STX is reportedly ready to fork out $20 million out of the $65 million budget to be used for the film.