Just a few weeks after writerGary Whittacompletedhis first draftof theUntitled Gareth Edwards Directed Star Wars Spin-Off, the project is now shifting into casting mode, with actresses such asFelicity Jones(The Theory of Everything),Rooney Mara(Pan) andTatiana Maslany(Orphan Black) all currently in contention for the female lead. Tatiana Maslany has already read for the role, with Rooney Mara slated to test later this week along with “a handful of others.” Felicity Jones is said to be on the studio’s “want list,” but there may be complications with her commitments to directorRon Howard’sInferno.
Insiders claim that testing for the female lead already took place in the U.K. last month, but the casting has now shifted to the U.S. The U.K. casting session makes sense, since wereported in Junethat the project will be shot in London, although it isn’t clear if there are currently any front runners for the role. Naturally, no story or character details have been revealed, although an unconfirmedrumor surfacedlast month that the plot follows a group of space pirates, centering on a young Han Solo, and earlier rumors claimed the plot focused on the bounty hunter Boba Fett.
The Hollywood Reporteralso shot downa report fromearlier this month thatStar Wars RebelsproducerSimon Kinbergwas being eyed to take over the writing duties fromGary Whitta.Simon Kinberghas no plans to take over this project, since he is “creatively involved in an overall manner” with the whole franchise and also writing anotherStar Wars Spin-Offthat will be directed byJosh Trank.
Felicity Jones was nominated for an Oscar last week for her work inThe Theory of Everything, and she will next be seen inTrue Story,A Monster CallsandInferno. Rooney Mara will soon be seen inPanandBlackbird, while Tatiana Maslany will next be seen inThe Woman in Gold. Who do you think should star in theUntitled Gareth Edwards Directed Star Wars Spin-Off? Chime in with your thoughts below.
