Mark Wahlberg has been cast in American Desperado. The Transformers 4 star has joined Paramount Pictures' movie about an infamous drug baron, Digital Spy reports citing Deadline.

Director Peter Berg has also signed on for the adaptation of Jon Roberts and Evan Wright's American Desperado: My Life - from Mafia Soldier to Cocaine Cowboy to Secret Government Asset.

The book was based around a series of interviews between journalist Wright and former drug baron Roberts.

It charts the incredible life of the man born into a top Mafia family and how he has joyfully broken countless laws.

Wahlberg and Berg recently finished working together on Lone Survivor.

The actor will next be seen in 2 Guns with Denzel Washington.

Paramount is tentatively hoping to begin shooting American Desperado in the new year.