Speculation continues to swirl around the casting process for Rian Johnson’s upcoming Star Wars: Episode VIII, with the latest tidbit to emerge seemingly linking Diary Of A Teenage Girl breakout Bel Powley with a key role in Disney’s high-profile sequel.
That’s contrary to previous reports, too, considering that the House of Mouse had seemingly narrowed its shortlist down to Orphan Black star Tatiana Maslany, Olivia Cooke and Gina Rodriguez. Shortly thereafter, all signs pointed to the company finally deciding on Gugu Mbatha-Raw of Beyond the Lights fame for the coveted role in Johnson’s blockbuster, who even pulled out of a London play just to really add fuel to the rumors.
Fast forward to now and word is that Powley has emerged as a new frontrunner for the part. At least, that’s according to The Wrap’s Jeff Sneider, who appeared on Meet The Movie Press to reveal the unforeseen scoop. Sneider cautioned that Gina Rodriguez is still vying for contention, indicating that the role up for grabs in Star Wars: Episode VIII may very well come down to a two-horse race.
Should the stars align, Bel Powley’s career would be sent careering toward the stratosphere if she is to land the part – and we can’t say she doesn’t deserve it. After anchoring Marielle Heller’s beautifully drawn story of adolescence and early sexual experiences, Powley has more than proved that she has the necessary dramatic chops.
Star Wars: Episode VIIIÂ is slated for a release on May 26, 2017.
