Eddie Murphy is to play the lead role in 'Cook'.

The 53-year-old actor has been cast in the drama movie - based on a true story - as a chef who is hired by a dying man to make meals and care for his girlfriend and daughter after he has passed away.

The film is being directed by Bruce Beresford, while Susan McMartin penned the script and '300' producer Mark Canton is among the producers on the flick.

According to reports, Samuel L. Jackson was originally up for the part but he had to turn it down because of scheduling conflicts on other projects.

No other casting announcements have been made and

Shooting is due to start on 'Cook' in November.

Previously speaking to Empire about the film, Canton described the plot as a ''great'' story and says people will see wisecracking Eddie in a totally different to what they're used to.

He told the magazine: ''It's a great screenplay. It's a small story - a true story - of a family and a guy who comes into their lives. You have to come up with either really great big franchise driven movies or little character driven movies. Those are the two businesses to be in. I'm in both ... This will be Eddie Murphy like you've never seen him. Of that I can assure you.''

Eddie is also reprising his most famous role as fast-talking Detroit police detective Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop IV'.