It looks like Rian Johnson (Looper, Brick) is gearing up to begin casting the new faces we’ll be meeting in his follow up to J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and he’s beginning with the film’s female lead.
According to The Wrap, the following trio of young actresses are the “top contenders” for the role: Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Olivia Cooke (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), and Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin). Apparently, they’re currently leading the charge, but the site cautions that it’s very early days in the casting process and Johnson is still auditioning “several rising stars” that will reportedly chemistry-read with The Force Awakens star John Boyega (Finn) before next month.
Lucasfilm and Disney must be big on Maslany for a Star Wars role, because she was also in the running for the lead in Gareth Edwards’ Rogue One, before that role ultimately went to Felicity Jones. At this point, however, there’s no word on if she’s the frontrunner or not.
As for additional casting, Benicio del Toro is also said to be “nearing a deal” to play the villain in the still untitled middle film in the new trilogy, but that still hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Star Wars: Episode VII hits theaters May 26, 2017. When we hear more on who’s snagged the female lead, we’ll be sure to let you know.