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.