Are We Getting Female Stormtroopers In STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS?

BBC's Lizo Mzimba is reporting that unknown British actress Amybeth Hargreaves will be playing a female stormtrooper in Star Wars The Force Awakens. His source being Spotlight UK a casting website.

Bit of @StarWars news from @SpotlightUK. Amybeth Hargreaves plays female Stormtrooper in The Force Awakens. http://t.co/2nDnhfSaTM
— lizo mzimba (@lizo_mzimba) January 16, 2015

There had been rumors that Gwendoline Christie could be playing a stormtrooper but we really haven't learned if there will be indeed women in the ranks. It's starting to look like race or gender isn't an issue with the Empire's recruiting policies.

This could also mean we'll be seeing more women in the film than we previously thought.

Amybeth's role might not be that big but we've seen Lucasfilm give unknowns sizeable parts already. Dasiy Ridley, taking a lead role but is pretty much unknown compared to the rest of the cast. I do expect Amybeth might have scenes with fellow trooper John Boyega.

It's also possible Amybeth could be an extra or doubling for another actor in the film.

This news could ruffle feathers as anything new revealed in The Force Awakens has seen backlash, even a new lightsaber design or new practical droid puts fans on edge. Although, we've seen many different droids and lightsaber designs over the years.

Some closed-minded fans went nuts when it was revealed that Attack The Block actor John Boyega was revealed as a Stormtrooper on the run. The naysayers of this choice coming off as racists and rightly so, considering the contention was about Boyega being black.

Lucasfilm would come to the defence of the character choice and confirm that stormtroopers of the post-Clone Wars era are not clones. Leaving the door open for lots of diverse casting in the film for all types of roles, not just for stormtroopers.

Almost every single move Lucasfilm, filmmakers and Kathy Kennedy will make will be put through a microscope by detractors and fans alike. A hard fact considering the franchise is so beloved and die-hards are still upset of the quality of the prequels.

A majority of the "new" designs we are seeing are actually inspired by original unused artwork from the original film. A bulk of Daisy Ridley's costume design is actually inspired by the Starkiller designs when Luke was originally going to be girl.

Daisy won't be the only lady in the universe.

I remember when some writers/bloggers were outraged there weren't more female cast members announced in the early casting days of Force Awakens. As unknown actress Daisy Ridley was the only new female addition at the time.

This seemed very premature as actresses such as Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and Games of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie would be named as additional cast members taking decently sized roles in the film. Other ladies added to the lineup included Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Jessica Henwick, and Christina Chong.

Concept art by Ralph McQuarrie.

I am not ignoring that Star Wars has a lousy track record when it comes to female roles in the past, but that might have more to do with George Lucas than anyone else.

Lucas even changed Luke Skywalker's original gender from a girl to a boy. This concept art from legendary artist Ralph McQuarrie features early designs of a female version of Luke which looks oddly familiar to someone in that Force Awakens trailer.

Did you know we almost had female pilots in Return of The Jedi?

While Leia had her moments the rest of the female characters didn't really do much in the original trilogy.

This almost wasn't the case and it was heartbreaking to learn that Lucas had cut-out a number of female pilots in Return of The Jedi. At least three of them were removed from the film (could be a lot more), one being an elderly woman which could have been pretty damn powerful imagery in that goofy film with space teddy bears.

There is some hope that with Lucas out of the way we'll be seeing other female characters given meatier roles in the saga and spin-offs.

Having female characters given all types of roles could help bridge that gap-between Star Wars being a film for boys to a film that can be enjoyed by both girls and boys equally. Since all the strong female characters are relegated to the books, along with the cartoons like Clone Wars and Rebels. It would be a nice change to see them on screen as well.

Another female X-Wing pilot left on the sidelines by Lucas.

SOURCE: BBC

Iko Uwais And Two Other Badasses From THE RAID Films Join STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS

TwitchFilm has reported that three actors from the Raid franchise have joined Star Wars The Force Awakens. They include breakout star Iko Uwais along with fellow badasses Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman. All three are heavily trained in martial arts and acrobatics, perfect for a franchise like Star Wars.

I'll be interested to know if they're playing sith, jedi or something completely different. There is also the chance they could be doing the actual fight-work for the characters in the film, but I feel like that would be a waste of their on-screen talents. We've been hearing for ages the film will do it's best to reduce the use of CGI, and we could see Abrams hiring fighters instead of digital artists.

The franchise hasn't had really any noteworthy Asian cast members, so it would be nice to see a bit more diversity as well. Trade Federation, the villains of the prequels were said to be influenced by the Japanese of WWII (Empire/Storm Troopers in the original trilogy were inspired by the Nazis), while the prequel villains came-off racist as fuck. Among other aspects of the prequels being extremely insensitive to other cultures.

Lucas being known for this type of shit which we saw in Temple of Doom when exploring Indian culture and most notably cuisine. Eating snakes, bugs, eyeballs and monkey brains in a country mostly known for being vegetarian.



SOURCE: TWITCH

STAR TREK 3 Directors Short-List Has Abrams Approved Rupert Wyatt As Paramount's Top Choice

Now that we've seen Paramount come to their senses and Roberto Orci step-down as director of Star Trek 3, more potential replacements have been revealed. Deadline is reporting that directors like Rupert Wyatt (The Gambler, Rise of The Planet of The Apes), Morten Tyldum (Intimidation Game, Headhunters), Daniel Espinosa (Safe House, Snabba Cash, Child 44), Justin Lin (Fast And Furious 3-6) and Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code, Warcraft) are new names on a studio short-list. Wyatt reportedly being the top choice for the gig.

Previously mentioned candidate Edgar Wright isn't named in this grouping.

While my first pick here would be sci-fi savy Duncan Jones. I can understand why the studio would want Rupert Wyatt to direct. Considering, he's already helped Fox reboot their Planet of The Apes franchise. It's possible that he could help push the Trek franchise past a trilogy.



This isn't the first time his name has been in the mix for the third installment. Originally, he had been in the rumormill as a possible candidate. J.J. Abrams spoke to HitFix in 2013, about the potential of hiring Rupert to replace him as director. It also doesn't hurt he just worked with Paramount for his remake of The Gambler.

"I know Rupert and he's incredibly talented and we'd be lucky to have someone as talented as Rupert. But there are things we're focusing on right now before the director, which is just sort of the fundamentals of where the story is gonna go."

Justin Lin would be interesting as well, only problem he's played this game before. Lin attaching himself to projects like Highlander, Terminator 5 and others just to jump-ship. He's currently lined-up to helm the Bourne Legacy sequel with Jeremy Renner, but it's been delayed due to Matt Damon's return to the franchise. That said, he's helped build-up the Fast And Furious franchise to new levels of fandom and is said to be returning for it's finale.





SOURCE: DEADLINE

LOOPER Director Rian Johnson To Write/Direct STAR WARS EPISODES VIII And XI

Lucasfilm is putting together some of the best filmmakers for their new film universe. A new report from Deadline gives the best directing news to date. They say that Brick and Looper director Rian Johnson will take the Episodic reigns of Star Wars, for Episode VIII and Episode XI (some are claiming his is only doing the script treatment). This is confirming that Abrams won't be directing the next two installments, and his future within the Star Wars franchise is unknown.

We've been hearing for months that Lucasfilm has been meeting with directors to round out both the spin-offs and main trilogy. The Star Wars machine is now in full gear (taking cues from Marvel Studios) and needs to move forward. I believe J.J. was never going to direct the entire trilogy and his pre-production/script problems may have cemented that fate. They need the new generation like Rian Johnson, Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Monsters) and Josh Trank (Chronicle, Fantastic Four) to keep the franchise fresh and inventive.

Rian Johnson is dedicated filmmaker and has the vision/originality to push the boundaries of the franchise. Rather than just paying homage to what has come before, I expect Johnson will add greatly to the existing universe. Fans should rejoice that we finally have an indie director back directing Star Wars, if this doesn't shut-up film nerds I don't know what will.



SOURCE: DEADLINE

Lupita Nyong'o And Gwendoline Christine Join STAR WARS EPISODE VII

We officially have more ladies joining the cast of J.J. Abrams' Star Wars Episode VII. There had been a bit of controversy, when Daisy Ridley was the only new female addition to the cast, among six new male cast members. A total of two actresses with eleven actors, was a bit embarrassing and earned a bit of backlash during the original casting announcement.

The pair of ladies couldn't be better and will be exciting additions to the franchise. First, we have Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong'o (Non-Stop, 12 Years A Slave), who had been rumored for meetings since the winter. The second is rising Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christine, who also recently filmed a role in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the Saga Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film. Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

SOURCE: LUCASFILM

UPDATED! More Actresses In The Mix For Roles In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

It was a bit shocking when J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm announced that we were only getting one new female cast member (Daisy Ridley) for Star Wars: Episode VII. This led to some backlash, and it seems like Abrams and crew are actually adding more ladies to the cast. LatinoReview has caught-word that British actress Katie Jarvis is one of two new ladies possibly joining the production. Jarvis is best known for the 2009 British film Fish Tank starring opposite Michael Fassbender.

They also re-affirm previously rumored Oxford unknown Maisie Richardson-Sellers, who had been linked to the possible Kenobi female role. We had heard from BadassDigest that Sophie Turner (Game Of Thrones) was also in the mix. Let's keep in mind their have been many casting rumors, and not every single one has turned-out. Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o  (12 Years A Slave) had taken a meeting with Abrams, but it's unknown if she'll take a role either.

UPDATE! TrackingBoard is confirming the addition of actresses Katie Jarvis and Maisie Richard-Sellers to the cast.


SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

Good News, Another Major Female Lead To Be Cast In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

THR is reporting that another major female role in Star Wars: Episode VII is yet to be cast. There had been good intentioned criticism concerning Daisy Ridley being the only new female cast member. Having two ladies in a cast of thirteen confirmed actors, was a bit shameful.

"Several sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that director J.J. Abrams has another substantial role to fill — and it's a female part. No further details are known."

Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyongo'O (12 Years A Slave, Non-Stop) has previously met with director J.J. Abrams for an unnamed role, which was possibly the same part Oxford actress Maisie Richardson-Sellers was linked for. The character is said to be related to Obi Wan Kenobi, but that hasn't been confirmed. Considering that they've already cast Oscar Isaac, placing Lupita in major role would be a very smart move.

SOURCE: THR

Lucasfilm Confirms And Reveals STAR WARS EPISODE VII Cast, Release Date Set For December 2015

Lucasfilm has officially announced the cast of J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII. We have confirmation that original actors such as Mark Hamill, Carrie FIsher, Harrison Ford, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker will be returning in their respected roles.

They've also revealed that new additions include Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson, Adam Driver and Max von Sydow, have also joined the Star Wars universe. We weren't expecting this reveal to include this many cast members, but it's a pleasant surprise. Their roles haven't been explained, and likely won't be for a long time. The studio did however snap a photo of the cast doing a table-read of the new script.

Andy Serkis (Tintin, King Kong, Hobbit, Lord of The Rings, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, Rise of The Planet of The Apes) is also mentioned in the press release. I have to assume he'll be playing a motion capture character, due to his extensive background with it. Yet, he's just a great actor so they could use him anyway they want to.

A release date has also been confirmed for December 18th, 2015.

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

SOURCE: LUCASFILM

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Production Moving To Abu Dhabi Not Morocco

Looks like it's not Morocco that will be the home of Tatooine in Star Wars: Episode VII, but the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi and the surrounding area will be the site of production for at least four weeks starting in May. Adam Driver and Peter Mayhew have been the only cast members confirmed for the film.

"Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that Star Wars: Episode VII will shoot in and around the city-state, which is part of the United Arab Emirates, beginning mid-May. Sources also say it would be a four-week shoot."

SOURCE: THR

Unknown Actress Linked For STAR WARS Role And Another Road-Trip To Tatoonie

THR says Oxford acting student Maisie Richardson-Sellers could be in the mix for role in Star Wars: Episode VII. The young Oxford actress is mostly known for school theatre work. This wouldn't be too shocking as Lucasfilm have been looking at every actor and actress for roles. It's said the role is a long descendent of Obi Wan Kenobi, who would interact with the Skywalker and Solo kids. I have to side with THR with this character info, as they've been able to confirm a lot the Star Wars scoops from other sites.

"One of the roles yet to be filled is that of a young black or mixed-race woman who may be a descendent of Jedi Knight Ben Kenobi."


Another bit of news from THR, is that the seventh film will head back to the dangerous desert planet of Tatooine. It might be the home planet of Luke Skywalker, but we've seen it five times previously. A majority of Phantom Menace and A New Hope taking place on Tatooine. I understand what Abrams is thinking by connecting the new era of Star Wars to the planet. However, it doesn't seem like an original way to push forward a new wave of Star Wars films. As the previous films have spend plenty of time using it as a setting, a bit uninteresting if you ask me.

I would have hoped the film would explore different planets if we're forced to deal with old characters.
Bringing back the original cast is understandable, but there have been rumors their roles could be larger than expected. I'm not sure how J.J. Abrams could manage to make 60-70 year old actors convincing action leads in a kids movie. When the new trilogy is expected to showcase a new generation of jedi. Not even factoring-in neither Mark Hamill or Carrie Fisher being major on-screen leads since the early 80s.

I'm not the only one who feels this way, THR also wrote an article, titled "Could 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Be Too Enamoured With The Original Films". The piece focuses on the lack of original steps the production is currently making. Keeping a lot of the same creative people from the original trilogy. While not pushing forward with new and fresh ideas.

We've been hearing from multiple sources that there is major in-fighting between Abrams and Lucasfilm. Leading to script rewrites and basically a massive overhaul of the director of the film just months before it's production. It's possible that George Lucas is still trying to the calling the shots. Whether that's through Kathy Kennedy or J.J. Abrams is unknown.

SOURCE: THR

Peter Mayhew To Reprise Chewbacca In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

Disney's Alan Horn recently confirmed shooting on Star Wars: Episode VII is underway, with a majority of the cast set. A new report from THR suggests that we'll be getting our favorite walking fur-ball back as well! Actor Peter Mayhew who recent underwent double-knee replacement surgery will indeed reprise the role of Chewbacca in the new film.

While it's been assumed that Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher will have supporting roles. An official announcement hasn't been made. The only returning character besides Chewie that has been confirmed is R2-D2. Adam Driver is reportedly set as the new villain.


SOURCE: THR

Will Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong'o Play A Badass Sith In STAR WARS EPISODE VII?

Even more interesting casting news has broken over the weekend. LatinoReview has revealed that newly Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o (Non-Stop, 12 Years A Slave) is in the mix for a major role in Star Wars: Episode VII. Apparently, the lead female part could be an original sith character, rather than a jedi. THR has confirmed that Lupita had a meeting with J.J. Abrams about taking a role in Episode VII.


The newcomer has proven she can give extremely powerful emotional performances, something that would be a giant asset for a villain. Could she end-up being paired with Adam Driver? Her 12 Years co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor has also been linked for role.


SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

John Boyega And Ed Speleers Apart Of Short-List For Lead Jedi Role In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

It looks like Star Wars: Episode VII casting is heating-up or just being dragged-out, as new names are being mentioned as contenders for a lead jedi role. Variety reports that actors such as John Boyega (Attack The Block), Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey), Matthew James Thomas (Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark) and Ray Fisher, have joined Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad) as in the mix for a lead part in the film. A character isn't mentioned but it's likely an apprentice of sorts.

Production is expected to begin in May, and nailing-down a cast is needed to happen soon. As the new actors will be given extensive fight, weapons and sword training for the film. Things will have to come together, or they won't have enough time before shooting begins.

Currently, Adam Driver (Girls) is the only new cast member expected to join the cast. Driver is said to be playing the villain of the film, which is in the vein of Darth Vader (possibly a sith?). The assumption that he'll be a new threat to the established Jedi Order, or the Rebel-led government. Boyega is my faovrite of the bunch, as he is also a fan favorite for Black Panther. He's got tons of charm and could easily bring this franchise into the right direction. After the wooden performances of the prequels, John would be a nice upgrade.

SOURCE: VARIETY

Adam Driver Front-Runner To Play STAR WARS EPISODE VII Villain?

Another day, another casting story concerning Star Wars: Episode VII. This time Variety is claiming that Girls actor Adam Driver is the front-runner to play the film's villain, said to be similar to Darth Vader. This isn't the first film where the actor has been a "front-runner", he was previously "rumored" for Nightwing in Batman Vs Superman. Driver also recently signed-up for Martin Scorsese's Silence which might be in conflict with the Star Wars production.



SOURCE: VARIETY

The Twins Will Indeed Be The Focus Of The New STAR WARS Trilogy

MarketSaw is giving some updated news concerning the plot, something we haven't been getting much off. Besides the recent report Star Wars Episode VII, went from focusing on the kids to the original three. New information from Jim's source confirms that the twins (Jacen and Jaina) will be the focus of the trilogy. We've heard that the original characters (Luke, Leia and Han) would be the focus of the first film, by the end of it the kids would take over. There has been an assumption that Ben Skywalker will also be included, but he isn't mentioned here. While a female protagonist has been mentioned since the original announcement.

"Ultimately it's about twins, and which will take a path towards darkness and which will follow in their fathers footsteps, or at least that is what it used to be, that may come later as I think changes are being undertaken to bring the original cast into the forefront of the story leading to ramifications that lead up to the next generation of Skywalkers." 

We'll eventually hear actually casting confirmation, but I have to say I'd be fine with pairing up Rachel Hurd-Wood and Jack Reynor as the siblings. The tricky thing is that Abrams is sort of in control of how they approach the cannon, we'll get the twins. It's unknown if they'll be Han/Leia's children or Luke/Mara Jade's, since Lucasfilm has a bit of wiggle room to do what they want with these characters. Ben Skywalker could very well join his cousins, but having the Skywalker name for their main characters is kind of necessary thing.


SOURCE: MARKETSAW

Gary Oldman And Benedict Cumberbatch Competing For STAR WARS Role, Plus Warwick Davis Returns?

MarketSaw was uncredited in breaking the original story that Lucasfilm was working on a new Star Wars trilogy, without Lucas as director. The site was dismissed at the time, but turned out to be on the money, thanks to their excellent source. Well they also had the directors wish-list, which mostly turned out to be true as well. Now they have a bit of a casting update for Episode VII.

Jim says that actors Benedict Cumberbatch (previously linked many times) and Gary Oldman (recently confirmed talks for a role) are solid contenders, and currently are being looked at for the same role. Considering there were script rewrites anything is possible to which direction they'd want to go with the unknown character. I wouldn't even be surprised if we saw both actors in the trilogy, in the end. It had been stated by BadassDigest, Benedict was being eyed for a villain role.

They also mention a few returning cast members which include standouts Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok, various Star Wars characters) and Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine). Davis is such a staple to the series and was excellent in the Harry Potter franchise, I really hope he get's more to do.

SOURCE: MARKETSAW

BREAKING BAD's Jesse Plemons Confirmed For STAR WARS: EPISODE VII?

LatinoReview is reporting that Jesse Plemons (Battleship, The Master) is pretty much a lock for a major role in the next Star Wars trilogy. Giving the impression he'll be a supporting character in Episode VII and become a protagonist in Episode VIII. The role isn't named, but it's very likely it could be Luke's son Ben Skywalker. If true, this would make Jesse the first new addition to the third trilogy.

TheWrap had previously linked the Breaking Bad and Friday Night Lights star for a role in the film. Other actors previous linked or rumored for the film include Michael Fassbender, Hugo Weaving, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sullivan Stapleton and Benedict Cumberbatch. It had been said that Weaving and Cumberbatch were being looked at for villain roles.

Jesse Plemons of Friday Night Lights and Breaking Bad was heavily rumored to be under consideration for a lead role in Star Wars Episode VII. We heard that this is basically a locked deal, at least as locked as anyone can be at this point.

We expect Plemons’ involvement will be announced early on, but the Disney/Star Wars PR Plemons Plan, currently, is to confirm his involvement without naming his part. So we’ll get a confirmation, but not an official confirm that Plemons is playing Ben Skywalker, Luke’s son. Plemons’ character would be the main protagonist of Episode VIII. EIGHT!

SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

Michael Fassbender, Hugo Weaving And Others Linked For STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Roles

The current talk of the town via THR, is that the major script rewrites for Star Wars: Episode VII by Abrams and Larry Kasdan will focus on making the the original three actors (Hamill, Fisher and Ford) the main leads. Placing the new characters in supporting roles, before eventually taking over in Episode VIII and Episode IX. It's said that Michael Arndt's script would focus mostly on the Skywalker kids, and having the original cast act as mentors to launch the new trilogy. That seems to have been scrapped, and Abrams along with Larry Kasdan are trying to make Luke, Leia and Han the leads of the film, before handing the franchise over to a new group of actors. I wouldn't be shocked if bits-and-pieces from Arndt's script end's up being used for Episode VIII.

Of course, with rewrites that means new characters will be created, and others cut from previous drafts. A new casting report from reports that J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm are looking at Michael Fassbender (12 Years A Slave, Shame, Inglourious Basterds), Hugo Weaving (Cloud Atlas, Matrix, V For Vendetta, Lord of The Rings, Hobbit), Adam Driver (Girls, Frances Ha). Weaving could end up playing an Imperial character in the film.

Breaking Bad's Jesse Plemons (The Master) has also been linked for an upcoming meeting with J.J. for a lead role, according to TheWrap. My guess would be that Plemons might be up for the role of Ben Skywalker.

Fassbender is the third cast member of 12 Years A Slave to be linked for a part in Episode VII. Previously, Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel Ejiofor have been reportedly pursued for roles in the film. Ejiofor seemingly confirms interest to Yahoo! (via CBM), instead of the usual denial we get from candidates (I'm taking about you Cumberbatch). A possible Oscar nomination is on the horizon, which could see Chiwetel getting a ton of offers for big movies after the awards ceremony. Nabbing him early would be a smart move on the part of Lucasfilm. Ejiofor has also been a fan-favorite for the role of T'Challa in Marvel's Black Panther film, which may or may not be in the works for Phase Three.

"Who knows? We'll just have to see...I don't know is really the only answer I can give you. I'm a huge fan of that world and JJ, but I don't know. I can't tell you. There are a lot of things that would be great to play and to investigate if I spent enough time thinking about it, but really it's to try and see what actually does happen, what materialises... and figure out what the great stories are."

Having actors on this kind of level will likely help, rather than hurt, considering there would be less of a gamble acting-wise if Lucasfilm hires awards caliber actors for roles. Fassbender's involvement with the X-Men franchise could become a conflict, along with his participation with Fox's Assassin's Creed film. That being said, Michael is a workaholic and cramming a bunch of lengthly productions next to each other, wouldn't be a problem for him.

SOURCE: THR

Sullivan Stapleton Linked For Unknown Role In STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

LatinoReview reports that Aussie actor Sullivan Stapleton has also tested for an unknown part in J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII. They don't know what the role actually is. However, since he's playing a heroes in 300: The Rise of An Empire and on his UK series Strike Back. I would assume Sullivan could be looking at a Jedi Knight role in the film.

I'd love to see him as Ben Skywalker, which is rumored to have been offered to actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Ryan Gosling (which he co-starred with in Gangster Squad). Sullivan had been at one point in the mix for the role of Peter Quill/Starlord in Marvel's Guardians of The Galaxy. He's also popped up as a fan favorite as the new Wolverine and Batman (pre-Batfleck). Sullivan's Animal Kingdom co-star Joel Edgerton played the young Uncle Owen in two of the prequels.

Saoirse Ronan Confirms She Has Auditioned For STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

SkyNews has word directly from Irish actress Saoirse Ronan that she has indeed been in the mix for a role in Star Wars: Episode VII. Adding that, "so has everyone". LatinoReview revealed a couple of weeks back that she had met for a role and that Benedict Cumberbatch was locked-in. This confirmation also could mean that Cumberbatch will be apart of the trilogy in a big way.