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The shortlist for Star Wars: Episode VII lead role includes John Boyega, Ed Speleers, and Jesse Plemons

March 12th, 2014 by Irwin Fletcher Comments

According to Variety, John Boyega (Attack the Block), Ed Speleers (Downtown Abbey) and theater actors Ray Fisher and Matthew James Thomas join the previously-rumored Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad) on the short list of names up for a lead role in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII!

Exact details of the character are vague but the part is believed to be that of a Jedi apprentice. Sources also indicate to Variety that the reason for the delay has to do whether execs and creatives want someone of a different ethnicity from the previous Caucasian leads.

Abrams has said on numerous occasions that he wants to have a diverse cast, which is why actors like David Oyewolo and Michael B. Jordan tested early in the process.

The trade also mentions the all-but-confirmed report that Adam Driver (Girls) is set to be the film’s central villain.

What do you think?

Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by J.J. Abrams from a script that he wrote with Lawrence Kasdan. The movie is rumored to focus on a new generation of heroes and could include appearances by Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford in older versions of their iconic characters from the original Star Wars trilogy. The film is expected to begin shooting in May of 2014 and will hit theaters on December 18, 2015.

Source: Variety

I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.