Johnny Depp @ The Oxford Union prior to addressing the students from the University of Oxford in London

Johnny Depp will address the Oxford Union later to talk about his latest film The Rum Diary.

It is the big screen adaptation of his late friend Hunter S Thompson's book.The pair became close friends when Depp portrayed the Gonzo journalist in the big-screen version of his drug-fuelled book Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas.Depp plays freelance journalist Paul Kemp, who moves from New York to Puerto Rico where he begins the habit of drinking rum and becomes obsessed with a woman called Chenault, played by Amber Heard.It is based on Thompson's own experience of working on the Caribbean island.

The Hollywood actor will be taking part in a question and answer session from members of the historic union.Oxford Union spokesman, Alex Reut-Hobbs, told Sky News that members will get to watch The Rum Diary at a special screening before Depp arrives."We're obviously delighted to welcome Johnny to the union and our members are looking forward to the chance to ask him about his career," he said.The actor's visit has prompted such demand that organisers are holding a ballot for tickets.Depp follows a long line of famous speakers at the Oxford Union, including Michael Jackson, the Dalai Lama, Winston Churchill and Mother Teresa.TV personality and model Katie Price caused controversy when she addressed the union last month, speaking for just eight minutes.