From left: Ed Speleers, John Boyega, and Jesse Plemons
With Adam Driver in line to play
the villain in the next “Star Wars,” the next order of business for
Disney and Lucasfilm is finding the right Jedi to challenge Driver and
the evil empire.
After meeting with several young actors this past year, sources tell
Variety that “Downton Abbey” thesp
Ed Speleers, “Attack the Block” star John Boyega,
Jesse Plemons
and theater actors Matthew James Thomas, and Ray Fisher are among the
men J.J. Abrams is eyeing for the lead role. Though some insiders warn
the search is still ongoing, multiple sources confirm to
Variety these actors have moved to the top of the list in recent weeks.
Disney had no comment.
SEE ALSO: Adam Driver to Play ‘Star Wars’ Villain (EXCLUSIVE)
Exact details of the character
are vague but the part is believed to be a Jedi apprentice. The original
draft by Michael Arndt was said to focus on Han Solo and Princess
Leia’s kids, however, Abrams and Kasdan’s recent rewrite reportedly puts
their offspring in a supporting role.
Sources also indicate 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 diversified cast, which is why actors like David Oyewolo
and Michael B. Jordan tested early on.
As previously reported, Abrams is expected to surround the
less-familiar actor with more recognizable stars for supporting parts,
including original “Star Wars” cast members Harrison Ford and Mark
Hamill.
“
Star Wars Episode VII” will begin shooting in the late second quarter or early third quarter in London’s
Pinewood Studios.
Produced by Abrams, his Bad Robot
partner Bryan Burke and Lucasfilm head honcho Kathleen Kennedy, “Star
Wars Episode VII” hits theaters Dec. 18, 2015.