According to a report from Variety, the next episode of the legendary space opera Star Wars has found its villain in “Girls” actor Adam Driver.

While the deal has yet to be closed, sources say that the actor is close to signing on for the role. While exact details are not yet known,  the character that Driver will play is to be in the vein of Dark Vader. Which is a very big deal since actors Hugo Weaving and Michael Fassbender had been pursued for the role.

The 30 year-old Driver is the first cast member to be revealed for the long awaited “Star Wars” installment, which will arrive in theaters on Dec. 18, 2015. “Star Wars: Episode VII” will pick up where “The Return of the Jedi” ended.

According to Variety, the actor’s name had been rumored since January, but only recently has he become the top choice to play the main villain. The delay in making the decision was due to scheduling issues with the film and Girls. Apparently it wasn’t just season 4 but also future seasons which may coincide with future “Star Wars” films and cause a conflict. But apparently those issues have been resolved and the deal should be sealed very soon.

Last year, Driver’s name was mentioned as one of the rumored choices to portray Nightwing in the upcoming sequel to Man of Steel, but obviously that turned out to be false.  Aside from his critically acclaimed role on HBO’s “Girls,” he is also currently filming  Warner Bros.’ “Midnight Special” and is also attached to Martin Scorsese’s “Silence” which will feature Andrew Garfield and Liam Neeson.

“Star Wars: Episode VII” will be directed by J.J. Abrams and is scheduled to begin shooting in April. It’s most likely that we’ll here more casting news real soon.

What are your thoughts on this casting news?