BIG budget local film Dust And Glory is on a mission to recruit some of Hollywood's best known stars.

Celebrated film director Simon West - best known for his big-budget smashes Con Air and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - is set to make approaches on a who's who including Christian Bale, Gerard Butler, Mel Gibson, Hugh Jackman, Eric Bana, Rachael Taylor, Isla Fisher and Ryan Gosling.

West said he was excited to be at the helm of the romantic action comedy to be shot in various locations around Australia later this year.

"I have a huge vision for this amazing 1950s character-driven Australian story," West told Confidential.

"It brings legendary figures of what was the toughest, roughest and most dangerous car racing in the world.

"Cars, the romance, the Australian Outback and legendary characters are sure to make this a great film.

"I'm excited to go out and get a high calibre cast for this movie."