With the May production start date drawing near, fans have been eagerly waiting for any news of who will star in the next film in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise aptly named ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’. While well-known actors have been speculated to have auditioned for parts, it seems the filmmakers are looking towards an unknown for a key role.
According to ‘The Hollywood Reporter’, Abrams has placed British newcomer Maisie Richarsdon-Sellers at the top of his short list to star in the film. While the exact role has yet to be disclosed, sources hint that Richarsdon-Sellers could be in line to play a character who just happens to be a descendent of Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. This is rumored to be the same role that Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o was up for. Since the film is said to be taking place 30 years after the events of ‘Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi’, her character would cross paths with the children of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.
It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that an unknown is being considered for such a part. Abrams has a history of casting unknown actors who have become A-listers after starring in his films (it does, after all, help with the cost of the film as an unknown would not ask for millions of dollars just to appear).
Last week, Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn did state that casting for the film is almost complete so could the start of some official casting announcements be just around the corner? While technically only 1 “person” been confirmed to star (R2D2), unofficially fans are expecting appearances by Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Peter Mayhew (as Chewbacca), Adam Driver as the main villain and C3PO.
Disney has yet to confirm any of this casting news and we may just have to be patient until next month before both Abrams and the studio decide to share.
Until then, we’ll just have to wait and speculate.
