COMMON LANDS ROLE IN NEW 'TERMINATOR' FILM: Rapper to play a member of John Connor's crew

Common's Hollywood game continues to expand with his recent casting in "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins," the latest sequel in the lucrative "Terminator" franchise.

The story will follow John Connor (Christian Bale), who is now in his 30s and leads what is left of the human race in a battle against the machines, reports Variety. Common will play a freedom fighter and member of Connor's inner circle.

McG will direct the project for Halcyon Pictures. Warner Bros will distribute the film domestically, while Sony is tapped to handle most foreign territories. The film's U.S. premiere date has been set for May 22, 2009.

Common can next be seen onscreen in "Wanted," starring Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman and James McAvoy. Later this summer, he is set to release his eighth album, "Invincible Summer."