McConaughey 'to star in The Billionaire's Vinegar'

Matthew McConaughey is thought to be taking the lead in The Billionaire's Vinegar.

Just a few years ago the thought of Magic Mike star Matthew appearing in such a dramatic film would have raised eyebrows. But the proof was in the pudding when he won an Oscar with Dallas Buyers Club last year and appeared in TV smash True Detective -since then, things have changed considerably.

Now Deadline reports he's signed onto the movie version of Benjamin Wallace's book, which is as much a detective story as it is a history of wine.

More specifically, it focuses on vintage Bordeaux bottles that were thought to have belonged to Thomas Jefferson and sold for considerable prices at auction. However, many experts don't believe they were genuine.

The film will be produced by Todd Black, Steve Tisch, James Lassiter, Jason Blumenthal and Will Smith.

Sony Pictures has not yet commented on the speculation.

Matthew has been making headlines for other reasons recently. He's due to speak at the University of Houston on May 15, with some people pushing for the amount the Hollywood star is to be paid for the job to be released.

However, Celebrity Talent International, who is working with the university, claims this information is a "trade secret" and cannot be made public.

Celebrity Talent International President Glenn Richardson believes a stated amount could be used in a negative manner and be taken "out of context" by the press.