Common is set to expand his acting portfolio after landing a starring role in the next Terminator film series.

Variety is reporting that the rapper has been cast to star alongside Christian Bale and Sam Worthington in "Terminator Salvation : The Future Begins," which is being produced by Halcyon Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. and Sony.

The new film, the fourth of the franchise, will follow a 30-year-old John Connor (Bale) as he leads the remaining humans in the battle against the machines. Common will take the role of Connor’s right-hand man.

The rapper’s previous acting roles include "Smoking Aces," "American Gangster" and "Street Kings." He is also set to appear in "Wanted" on June 27.

In related news, Common is set to release his eighth studio album "Invincible Summer" this summer with production from The Neptunes and Mr. DJ.

Terminator Salvation : The Future Begins is scheduled to hit theatres in May of 2009.