AceShowbiz -

While fans put their attention to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", which will be released this weekend, a new rumor about "Star Wars Episode VIII" has surfaced. In TheWrap's article about Gugu Mbatha-Raw joining Netflix's upcoming "Black Mirror" series, the actress is said to have landed a role in the eighth episode of the "Star Wars" saga. The article notes that the 32-year-old actress is "widely expected" to star in the Rian Johnson-directed film.

There is no official confirmation yet about the casting news, so it's still unknown if the actress really joins the cast of the "Star Wars" movie. However, Justin Kroll, a contibutor to Variety, responds to TheWrap's report on Twitter, revealing that he has obtained some information that the actress hasn't joined the cast.

Back in October, Mbatha-Raw was in the shortlist of a female lead with other actresses like Gina Rodriguez, Tatiana Maslany and Olivia Cooke. Following the rumor, another report surfaced, saying that Mbatha-Raw was no longer in the running.

Production on "Episode VIII" is expected to commence in March 2016. Mark Hamill recently confirmed that his iconic Luke Skywalker character would appear in the movie. It has also been confirmed that "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", "Star Wars: Episode VIII" and "Star Wars: Episode IX" will focus on Skywalker family saga that connects to the first six movies.