A recent report says Lucasfilm has narrowed the lead actress field for Star Wars Episode VIII down to a few favorites….
With Star Wars: The Force Awakens set to open on December 18, Lucasfilm is already starting work on the next major film in the franchise, which will be Star Wars Episode VIII directed by Rian Johnson (Looper) due out on May 26, 2017.
The film will pick up the story from the upcoming film by director J.J. Abrams so expect many of those same characters to carry over to the new movie as well, but with production beginning in the near future, the actresses auditioning for a lead role in Star Wars Episode VIII has already begun.
According to The Wrap, Star Wars producers as well as Johnson have narrowed the field down to three favorites although there are still more actresses who are expected to test for the film in the coming weeks.
Then again this favorites list could be all the Star Wars producers are focused on and the selection could be made at any time.
The three actresses apparently in contention for the new female leading role in Star Wars Episode VIII include:
Jane Rodriguez — best known for her role on Jane the Virgin, which earned her a Golden Globe as well as a role in the upcoming Mark Wahlberg film Deepwater Horizon.
Tatiana Maslany — best known for her role in the popular BBC series Orphan Black — was one of the finalists in line for the lead role in Star Wars: Rogue One, but that part ultimately went to Felicity Jones instead. Considering Maslany has already been on a short list for a previous Star Wars role, many speculate that could make her the favorite to land this part.
Olivia Cooke — best known for her current role on Bates Motel as well as the critically acclaimed film Me and Earl and the Dying Girl — is the third actress rounding out the pack.
Again, this list is just speculation for now and could be the studio’s way of throwing off the bloodhounds until they make their final selection. Then again, all three young actresses are on the cusp of stardom, which would seemingly make them the perfect fit for the Star Wars franchise.
Rumors say this trio of actresses may eventually screen test opposite Star Wars: The Force Awakens star John Boyega before ultimately landing the part.
The only other addition known so far for Star Wars Episode VIII is a villains role that will likely land in Benicio Del Toro’s hands once a deal is finalized.
