Yesterday, we heard news that 'Girls' actor Adam Driver was close to penning a contract to star as the primary villain in J.J Abrams' Star Wars: Episode 7. Details remain sketchy, though sources speaking to Variety claims the villain will be in the same vein as Darth Vader, perhaps the most iconic Star Wars character.

Adam DriverAdam Driver Will Play The Primary Villain in 'Star Wars Episode 7'

Driver, 30, is the first actor to be pinned down to a concrete role in Episode VII, though the likes of Gary Oldman, Zac Efron, Jesse Plemons and Michael B Jordan continue to be linked with the movie, set to open in theaters on December 18, 2015.

Driver's name has been rumored during the casting process, though the revelation that he will play the main villain has come as a surprise to some fans of the franchise. However, he was apparently producer's first choice from the beginning and the delay in making a decision was simply due to scheduling issues with Star Wars and HBO show Girls. Driver was concerned that season 4 and future seasons of Lena Dunham's comedy could be compromised by his commitment to Star Wars - which begins shooting at Pinewood Studios in May.

Michael FassbenderMichael Fassbender Was Apparently Considered for the Star Wars Villain Role

Sources tell Variety that those scheduling issues have been resolved and that a deal should be signed within a matter of days. Insiders say Disney were also looking at Michael Fassbender and Hugo Weaving for the villain role, though eventually plumped for Driver. 

J.J Abrams has written the Star Wars Episode 7 script with Lawrence Kasdan, based on an early draft by Toy Story 3 scribe Michael Arndt.

Disney purchased Lucasfilm for $4 billion in October 2012, outlining a commitment to release several new Star Wars movies as well as theme park attractions, TV shows and an extensive line of new merchandise.