Adam Driver has reportedly been cast as the villain in 'Star Wars: Episode VII'.

The 'Girls' actor is close to signing on the dotted line to star as a Darth Vader-inspired character in J.J. Abrams' upcoming intergalactic adventure, according to Variety.

While Disney and Lucasfilm declined to comment, the website reports that Driver - best known for playing oddball love interest Adam Sackler on HBO series 'Girls' - is pretty much confirmed for the role, with additional cast members expected to be unveiled next month.

Driver's 'Girls' co-star and director Lena Dunham appeared to support the rumour by posting on Twitter last night (26.02.14): ''We're VERY proud of Adam Driver re: Star Wars. He's about to rip a hole in da force. Is that a thing? I guess I should see those movies? (sic)

However, she quickly backtracked her comment about the top secret casting, writing: ''I confirm nothing bc I know nothing bc I'm on a plane with my dad! I just like Adam more than almost anyone, and Jj Abrams a whole lot too.(sic)''

Michael Fassbender and Hugo Weaving were initially linked to the part, but Driver is said to have emerged at the frontrunner in recent weeks when his previous scheduling conflicts were resolved.

The film is scheduled to shoot at London's Pinewood Studios in April, working from the script Abrams has re-written with Lawrence Kasdan.