Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is to make his return as a Hollywood leading man in Western movie The Last Stand.

Studio Lions gate said the 63-year-old would "bring incredible magnetism" to the role of a border-town sheriff who battles with a drug lord.

The Last Stand will be Schwarzenegger's first major film role since 2003's Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.

The actor, who left office in January, had a cameo in 2010's The Expendables.

Lions gate president Joe Drake said Schwarzenegger "electrified the audience" in The Expendables, in which he appeared alongside fellow action veteran Sylvester Stallone.

"In this film, the Sheriff Owens character grapples with some really tough stuff but ultimately triumphs and we knew he'd truly elevate this high-octane ride," he added.

No release date has been announced for the film, which will be directed by South Kora's Kim Jee-woon.