With ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘ only a few months away (albeit they do feel like exceptionally long months with all the anticipation), Disney and Lucasfilm are moving full speed ahead with prepping ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII,’ which will pick up the story where ‘The Force Awakens’ leaves off. While so far we know that Benicio Del Toro will be taking on a villainous role in the film, not much else has been announced (or confirmed) at this point.
As of now however, news has broke that they are searching for a new female lead for the film, though what her connection to the rest of the characters established in ‘The Force Awakens’ will be is unknown, they are definitely calling it a female “lead.” So far there are three big names at the top of the list, though by no means does this mean these are the only actresses up for the role.
First up is Gina Rodriguez (see pic below), who has been making waves this year on the CW’s hit ‘Jane the Virgin,’ and won a Golden Globe for the role just this past January. While this would be the largest role yet of her career, she definitely has the chops to take on whatever Lucasfilm throws at her.
Next up is Tatiana Maslany (picture blow), who most fans will know from the BBC’s ‘Orphan Black.’ She was originally rumored to be in the casting pool for ‘Star Wars: Rogue One,’ but even after losing that role she clearly has not been forgotten by Lucasfilm, and definitely has the sci-fi experience to pull off a major role in a ‘Star Wars’ film.
Lastly we have Olivia Cooke (picture below), who is a not as well known (her biggest role so far is on the show ‘Bates Motel‘), although critics have been praising her for her role this summer in the indie drama ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.’ Getting a role in ‘Star Wars’ would definitely be the biggest part on her resume, but casting actors not quite as well known definitely has its upsides, especially for such a blockbuster.
What are your thoughts on the candidates? Sound off in the comments below!
Source: Cinemablend
