According to reports, Star Wars: Episode VIII director Rian Johnson already has his shortlist for the female lead in the film, which includes Tatiana Maslany, Gina Rodriguez, and Olivia Cooke.
The audition process is still in the early stages, but these three top contenders for the highly coveted role will read with John Boyega by the end of the month, multiple sources tell The Wrap.
The follow-up to this December’s The Force Awakens is set to being filming early next year to make its May 2017 release date, so even as we prepare for Episode VII, there will be no shortage of news regarding Episode VIII as well in the coming months.
All three are solid choices for a lead role. Rodriguez recently snagged a Golden Globe for Jane The Virgin. Cooke, one of the stars of Bates Motel, is in high demand since her performance in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Anyone who has seen Orphan Black knows the incredible acting chops Maslany has at her disposal.
Maslany could have the edge here as she was on the radar for one of the main parts in Gareth Edwards’ Star Wars: Rogue One, though Felicity Jones ended up getting the role. Maslany is obviously well established among the folks at Lucasfilm and Disney, so Episode VIII could be her high profile breakout onto the big screen.
Additionally, Benicio del Toro has not kept it a secret to the press that he is in talks to play a villain in the film.
Star Wars: Episode VIII is set to hit theaters on May 26, 2017
SOURCE: The Wrap
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