Matt Damon is to star in new anti-'fracking' movie 'The Promised Land'.
The 41-year-old actor has co-wrote the film with 'The Office' star John Krasinski and the plot tells the story of a salesman whose life changes after he arrives in a small town which is to be subjected to 'fracking' for natural gas.
The procedure is also known as hydraulic fracturing and is the practice of mixing sand, water and chemicals into a well to break-up rock to extract natural gas from the earth.
It is controversial because it has been claimed that the chemicals used in the process affect the surrounding environment and are unsafe.
It has been alleged the procedure can pollute natural water reserves and affect air quality.
Damon was also set to make his directorial debut by helming the project but scheduling conflicts have prevented this.
Gus Van Sant - who directed Damon in 'Good Will Hunting' - will now take on the job.
Shooting will start on the film in Pittsburgh later this month.