John Boyega is to star opposite Tom Hanks and Emma Watson in 'The Circle'.

The London-born actor - who's also set to feature in the JJ Abrams-directed 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' - has been cast alongside two of Hollywood's biggest names in the new movie based on Dave Eggers' 2013 novel.

John, 23, is to play the role of Ty, the visionary of the Circle, an internet-based feature that links users' emails, social media accounts and banking with their universal operating system, Deadline reports.

As the James Ponsoldt-directed movie progresses, John's character develops a relationship with an employee - played by Emma Watson - as they both become increasingly aware of the dangers of living life in the digital age.

Despite establishing himself on the Hollywood scene, John admitted earlier this year that his childhood ambition was to become a professional soccer player, rather than an actor.

He admitted: ''I tried to kick a ball because I thought I would able a footballer but I ended up scoring in our own goal!

''So I decided to just let that be ... perhaps I should try acting.''