Arnie to play himself in Sly film

The star has only made three cameo appearances since becoming governor

California governor and former action movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger is to play himself in a film being made by Sylvester Stallone.

The 61-year-old will make a rare big-screen appearance in The Expendables, Stallone's publicist confirmed.

The film, in which Stallone also stars, follows a group of mercenaries trying to overthrow a South American dictator.

Actors Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts, Mickey Rourke and Forest Whitaker will also star.

As well as acting, Stallone is also writing and directing the film.

Publicist Sheryl Main said Schwarzenegger will play himself as California's governor and will shoot his scene in Los Angeles.

The actor has made just three cameos for friends since becoming governor in 2003, including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson film The Rundown in 2003 and Around the World in 80 Days in 2004.

Schwarzenegger and Stallone co-founded the restaurant chain Planet Hollywood together in 1991, along with Bruce Willis, but the Terminator star severed all his financial ties with the business in 2000.