Dougie Poynter is to star as a superhero in upcoming British film 'The Academy'.

Dougie Poynter

Dougie Poynter

The 29-year-old McFly bassist landed the part after taking acting lessons and successfully auditioning to play superhero Hale, who is "captured in a big plot twist".

A source said: "Dougie is delighted to have landed a part in 'The Academy' and can't wait to get stuck into his role.

"It's a proper independent British movie so there will be loads of freedom in terms of what he can do."

The source also revealed that fans could expect a "completely original" superhero storyline in the upcoming comedy flick.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The film's makers have created a completely original superhero universe set in a university-type situation where all the students have superpowers.

"One breathes fire, another controls electricity and one has the strength of ten men.

"Dougie's character is focal to the story line as he ends up being captured in a big plot twist. He starts shooting in mid-January."

Dougie's superhero stint comes as his second big on-screen role after he previously played the male lead in comedy film 'Kat and Brand'.

Allied to his acting work, the 'It's All About You' hitmaker is set for a busy year on the music scene too, as he is due to make new tunes alongside his McFly bandmates Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Harry Judd.

An insider said: "McFly are all getting together in January for a writing trip to start work on their new album.

"Dougie is going to have a lot on his plate in the new year but he's excited."