He joins another Australian, actor Jason Clarke, and Kiwi actor Martin Henderson, on the project.

The film is a dramatisation of the disastrous 1996 expedition to scale Everest in which three climbing teams were trapped by a fast-moving storm. Five people were killed during the expedition.

Worthington, Clarke and Henderson join an all-star ensemble on the film, which also includes Josh Brolin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emily Watson and Robin Wright.

Everest will be filmed on location in Nepal at the base of Everest, at locations in the Italian Dolomite mountains, Rome's Cinecitta Studios and London's Pinewood Studios.

The film, which is being directed by Baltasar Kormakur, is based on interviews and written accounts from survivors of the disastrous attempt to scale the mountain.

Worthington will play Guy Cotter, one of the expedition members.

The 37-year-old actor was most recently in the headlines after an altercation with a photographer outside his home in New York's Greenwich Village.

He was subsequently charged with assault in the third degree, attempted assault in the third degree, and harassment in the second degree.

According to the criminal complaint filed by the photographer, Worthington punched him several times, leaving him with a cut to his noise and substantial pain.

Worthington was released on his own recognisance.

Everest is due for release on September 18, 2015.