Adam Driver is reportedly in final negotiations to appear in the new Star Wars movie.

The Hollywood Reporter claims that the Girls star is close to signing a deal to play a villain in Star Wars: Episode VII.

It is believed to be the role that both Michael Fassbender and Joel Kinnaman were linked to last year.

Adam's Girls co-star Lena Dunham appeared to confirm the news after taking to Twitter to say: "We're VERY proud of Adam Driver re: Star Wars. He's about to rip a hole in da force."

However, she hurriedly followed up her original Tweet with another claiming that she wasn't confirming that he had bagged the role.

She wrote: "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."

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?

— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) February 26, 2014

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.

— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) February 26, 2014

The casting of the eagerly-awaited new Star Wars movie has been shrouded in secrecy with original cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher all tipped to return.

Filming of the new movie is due to begin in the UK in the Spring.