THE Oxford English Dictionary is going to get a touch of Hollywood glamour as a-lister, Mel Gibson, plans to bring the story behind the best-seller to the big screen.

Gibson has also enlisted the help of oscar winner, Sean Penn, to bring 'The Professor and the Madman' to life.

Taking on the title role, Gibson will play Professor James Murray, who in 1857 set about compiling the Oxford English Dictionary.

Penn will play Dr W.C.Minor, who submitted more than 10,000 entries.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Gibson acquired the film rights to the Simon Winchester book back in 1998 and has handed over the directing reins to Apocalypto writer, Farhad Safinia.

Voltage Pictures, the company behind 'The Hurt Locker' and 'Dallas Buyers Club' is reportedly backing the film.