The looming premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" brings more "Star Wars: Episode 8" news and now, cast updates have presented the idea two female characters will take the lead role, and Anakin Skywalker portrayed by Hayden Christensen to return to the sequel.
Latest news have revealed that instead of only one female lead character in the second installment of the re-incarnated "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, two new female cast members are eyed for "Star Wars: Episode 8." According to a report by CinemaBlend, rumors on casting have revealed another addition to the roster of up-and-coming actresses who will take on the female lead role in "Star Wars: Episode 8."
"Beauty and the Beast" star Gugu Mbatha-Raw joins the rumored short-listed actresses for the "Star Wars: Episode 8" lead. "Gugu Mbatha-Raw is in the running to play the female lead in director Rian Johnson's Episode 8. She joins three other names who were previously reported to be on the shortlist, 'Orphan Black' star Tatiana Maslany, 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl's' Olivia Cooke, and Gina Rodriguez from 'Jane the Virgin'," said the report.
The report added that, "the four actresses are actually competing for not one, but two parts that both have the same shortlist. They also say that, not only is Mbatha-Raw someone who is being eyed, they report that she has actually already even had an audition."
Meanwhile, cast rumors have also revealed that the actor behind Anakin Skywalker right before he succumbed to the dark side might return to "Star Wars: Episode 8." According to a report by MercuryNews sourced from a website MakingStarWars.net, "a team from the U.K. is heading to the U.S. to train Christensen for a role in 'Episode 8,' which Disney has slated for release in 2017. The film will be directed by Rian Johnson ('Looper'), who apparently was living in a cave when Christensen destroyed the role of Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader."
Of course nothing yet has been made certain or has been confirmed by the people behind "Star Wars: Episode 8" let alone definite casting details. Fans will most likely hear more about "Star Wars: Episode 8" soon after episode 7, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" premieres this December.