Dustin Hoffman joins Chef cast

Dustin Hoffman has joined the cast of ‘Chef’.

The Oscar-winning actor is the latest big name to join the comedy project from actor-and-director Jon Favreau, which centres on a restaurant cook (Favreau) who loses his job and decides to open up a food truck in order to reinvigorate his love of cuisine.

As well as his professional problems, the troubled chef must also try and win back his estranged family.

It’s not yet known what role Hoffman will play, but he joins an all-star cast including Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson and Sofia Vergara.

The film’s star and director previously described the independent comedy as "character-driven".

He said: "Setting a film in the culinary world of Los Angeles offers wonderful opportunities for a character-driven comedy."

The movie marks a reunion for Favreau, Downey and Johansson who worked together on the blockbuster film ‘Iron Man 2’. Favreau directed the first two movies in the superhero franchise starring Downey and also had a small supporting role in the series, including the recently released ‘Iron Man 3’.

‘Chef’ is set for release next year.