Matthew McConaughey signs on for 'Born to Run' adaptation

The Oscar-winning actor will star in a feature adapted from Christopher McDougall's bestselling book, Deadline reveals. "Born to Run" has sold over 3 million copies worldwide and inspired a wave of enthusiasm for barefoot running.

Matthew McConaughey will add yet another independent film to his resume with the "Born to Run" adaptation, which will also give him another interesting physical challenge.

After impressing Hollywood in 2013 and 2014 by shedding his muscles (and virtually all of his body fat) to play an HIV-positive man in "Dallas Buyer's Club," the actor will now be tasked with transforming his physique into that of an endurance runner.

McConaughey will play ethnographer Christopher McDougall, the author of the book. Guided by a simple question -- "why do my feet always hurt when I run?" -- the author traveled to Mexico to discover the secrets of the Tarahumara, a tribe known for their ability to run extreme distances without experiencing the injuries common among American runners. Ultimately, he came to the conclusion that cushioned running shoes were actually more harmful than helpful.

McConaughey already has multiple commitments lined up this year and on into 2016, including Gus Van Sant's "Sea of Trees," Gary Ross's "Free State of Jones" and the four films in Josh Boone's adaptation of Stephen King's "The Stand."