Chris Hemsworth seems to have found a nice niche in being an action star with humanity and depth, and looks to be continuing his streak by attaching himself to star in “In the Heart of the Sea”, based on true events that inspired Melville’s “Moby Dick.” Deadline reported the news earlier today, and the project is now out to studios from Hemsworth’s “Snow White and the Huntsman” producers.

Based on Nathaniel Philbrick’s factual retelling “In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex”, Hemsworth will play a first mate aboard whaling ship the Essex, which began a journey from Nantucket bound for the South Pacific in 1819 and was rammed and sunk by a giant sperm whale. The initial crew of 20, to be led by Hemsworth’s character, dwindled as they struggled to survive aboard three lifeboats, facing hunger, disease and inclement weather. Charles Leavitt adapted the book, and the film has been in development in some form or another since 2000, with Ed Zwick attached to direct at one point, though that is no longer the case. With Hemsworth’s skyrocketing star power now part of the package, it seems the film may finally make its way into production.

Hemsworth has had a pretty good start to 2012, appearing in “Cabin in the Woods”, “The Avengers” and “Snow White and the Huntsman”, and he also recently wrapped up playing Formula One racer James Hunt for Ron Howard’s “Rush.” He’s getting ready to head back to Asgard to reprise his titular role in “Thor 2″, and is also attached to Navy SEALs pic “Shadow Runners.”