Rodriguez, Maslany and Cooke is on the shortlist of young women who are eyed to be the female lead in the sequel to 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'.
- Sep 2, 2015
AceShowbiz - Although "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has not hit theaters yet, Disney and Lucasfilm are already busy working on "Star Wars Episode VIII". The studios are considering Gina Rodriguez, Tatiana Maslany and Olivia Cooke as the top contenders for a new female lead in the upcoming movie, TheWrap reports.
Sources say that director Rian Johnson is still auditioning several other actresses for the role while others say Johnson is narrowing down the shortlist. However, it is still unclear how the role will fit the plot. As a part of the test, Rodriguez, Maslany and Cooke, along with other contenders, will do a chemistry test with "The Force Awakens" star John Boyega later in September.
Oscar winner Benicio del Toro is the studios' top choice to play a villain in the movie which details are still scarce. "I can't tell you much about it but I think that it might happen. It looks like it's gonna happen, so I'm very excited," the actor commented on the possibility of being a villain back in August. Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen was also reported to play Jedi in the sequel to "The Force Awakens" that will be filmed in the U.K..
Maslany was previously eyed for the lead role in "Rogue One", but the coveted part ended up being played by Felicity Jones. Rodriguez won a Golden Globe for her performance on "Jane the Virgin". Cooke's role as a young cancer patient in "Me & Earl & the Dying Girl" was critically acclaimed and she won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at Sundance.
Besides directing, Johnson will write the script alongside Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg. Ram Bergman will produce with Kathleen Kennedy from Lucasfilm. "Star Wars Episode VIII" is slated to be released in U.S. theaters on May 26, 2017.
