Los Oct 28 (IANS): Rapper Common has been roped in to star in "John Wick 2", a sequel to 2014's "John Wick".

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 43-year-old actor will portray the movie's chief villain, a head of security for a female crime lord, reports aceshowbiz.com.

In the upcoming movie, The rapper will star opposite actor Keanu Reeves, who reprises his role as the titular dog-loving assassin. As of now, plot details are still scarce and other cast members have yet to be announced.

Chad Stahelski will direct with Basil Iwanyk producing. The sequel is due to begin filming later this week for a 2017 release.

The first film was co-directed by Stahelski and David Leitch. Leitch is not returning because he is now busy working on "The Coldest City" starring Charlize Theron and James McAvoy.

Common has wrapped up with "Barbershop 3", the sequel to "Barbershop 2: Back in Business", in which he stars alongside Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer , Queen Latifah and Nicki Minaj.

He will will next be seen in Warner Bros.' highly-anticipated comic book movie, "Suicide Squad", with Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Jared Leto.