Oldman to play new Star Wars villain

British actor Gary Oldman will play the "deadliest" Star Wars villain ever in the franchise's final prequel, Episode Three.

Oldman will voice the character General Grevious, who is part-alien/part-robot.

Insiders say Oldman - who is considered to be one of the finest actors of his generation - was handpicked for the part by series creator George Lucas, who is a big fan of his work.

A source said: "George thought Gary was the ideal choice."

According to reports, Oldman's character will try and hunt down Jedi knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi in the film, which is due to hit cinemas next summer.