Star Wars 7 casts 'Girls' actor Adam Driver as Darth Vader-like villain, reports (and Lena Dunham) claim

Actor will trade Williamsburg for a galaxy far, far away

Hannah's troubled on-off boyfriend Adam, played by actor Adam Driver (HBO)

Star Wars Episode 7 may have just found its main villain, with Girls' Adam Driver reportedly days from signing up for a Darth Vader-like role in JJ Abrams' sequel.

There has been no shortage of Star Wars cast rumours in recent months, but Variety seems pretty damn certain about Driver's involvement, which apparently comes after logistical problems due to his commitment to the HBO comedy were resolved.

"Exact details are unknown, but the character is said to be in the vein of iconic Star Wars villain Darth Vader," the publication claims.

The actor rose to fame playing the neurotic Adam Sackler in Girls, with co-star Lena Dunham congratulating him about the news on Twitter.

Abrams has reportedly been interested in casting Driver for months, though Michael Fassbender and Hugo Weaving had also been linked to the main villain role.

Casting for characters on the right side of The Force have yet to be announced, though original Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford are expected to return in some capacity.

Star Wars Episode 7 will be released in the US on 18 December 2015.

Adam Driver is expected to play a villain 'similar to Darth Vader'