Star Wars: Episode VII looks to be nearing its first casting announcement: As first reported by Variety, Girls actor Adam Driver is said in talks to sign on as "the" villain in the upcoming J.J. Abrams-directed film, and though the deal isn't done, it's said to be close. No firm details of the role are publicly known, but the character is reportedly "in the vein of" the most famous Star Wars villain of all, Darth Vader.

Driver previously had been rumored for a role in the film, and The Hollywood Reporter states his part may be the same one that Michael Fassbender and Joel Kinnaman were considered for.

Driver, 30, has played Adam Sackler on all three seasons of HBO's Girls, and has appeared on film in both J. Edgar and Inside Llewyn Davis. Last fall, he was rumored to be in contention for the role of Nightwing in the Man of Steel sequel, which he soon denied.

Star Wars: Episode VII opens Dec. 15, 2015.

UPDATE: Girls creator and star Lena Dunham has commented on the Driver news via Twitter, expressing enthusiasm while making it clear she's not able to confirm any reports:

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