AceShowbiz -

The untitled stand-alone Star Wars film apparently has found its lead actress. According to Total Geeks, "Orphan Black" star Tatiana Maslany has landed a lead role in the Gareth Edwards-directed movie which is set for 2016. Felicity Jones ("The Theory of Everything") and Rooney Mara ("The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo") previously were also reported to be in contention for the lead role.

Details regarding the movie's plot are not available. However, Disney Chairman/CEO Bob Iger suggested in a recent stakeholders report that the first standalone movie would focus on characters in J.J. Abrams' "Star Wars: The Force Awakens".

After saying that "The Force Awakens" would be "worth the wait," Iger added, "Next year we'll release our first standalone movie based on these characters, followed by 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' in 2017, and we'll finish this trilogy with 'Episode IX' in 2019." "The Force Awakens" is set for release in the U.S. on December 18, while the standalone film arrives next year on December 16, 2016.

In other news, Maslany who recently was replaced by Amanda Seyfried on off-Broadway show "The Way We Get By" due to scheduling conflicts reportedly has nabbed a role alongside Dane DeHaan in a new drama. According to a Friday, January 30 report by TheWrap, the two actors are set to take part in "Two Lovers and a Bear".

Directed by Kim Nguyen ("War Witch"), the indie drama tells the story of two people (Maslany and DeHaan) who live in a small town near the North Pole. Production starts in mid-March after Maslany finishes filming "Orphan Black".