Adam Driver Lands Villain Role in 'Star Wars: Episode VII'

For obvious reasons, Lena Dunham has received the bulk of the attention for HBO's Girls, but it's been Adam Driver who has really made the most of the opportunity. Not only has he had the chance to work with Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, Noah Baumbach, and will co-star in Martin Scoresese's Silence, but he's been mentioned for every big franchise under the sun. Months ago Driver was rumored for a role in Star Wars: Episode VII, and now it looks like he'll be embracing the dark side of the Force.

Variety reports Driver is in talks for the villain role in J.J. Abrams' upcoming Star Wars film, making him the first actor to be revealed....unless you count R2-D2. Plot details are under wraps, naturally, but his character is said to be similar to Darth Vader, meaning he's likely an all-powerful Sith Lord. No word on if he'll actually be related to Vader or anyone from the Star Wars mythos. Michael Fassbender and Hugo Weaving were also rumored for the villain role but Disney has really taken a liking to Driver, and sought to work out scheduling to get the deal done.

Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams' script is said to take place years after Return of the Jedi and possibly follow the Skywalker and Solo kids. With filming set to begin next month, expect more casting to be revealed very soon. Star Wars: Episode VII opens December 18th 2015.