Jared Leto is returning to acting.

The 40-year-old star - who has not appeared in a movie since 2009 - has signed up to take a role in Jean-Marc Vallee's 'The Dallas Buyer's Club'.

The 30 Seconds to Mars singer will star alongside Jennifer Garner and Matthew McConaughey in the AIDS drama.

The picture - inspired by real events - tells the tale of an electrician who is diagnosed with the disease and told he has six months to live.

In a bid to extend his life, he begins importing drugs which the US government have tried to keep out of the country.

Jared will play a cross-dressing HIV-positive man who helps the lead character.

In recent years Jared turned his back on acting in favour of performing with his band, but is known for standout roles in 'Requiem For A Dream', 'Fight Club' and 'Panic Room', and was last seen in 'Mr. Nobody'.