As fan fervor builds for the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens, director Rian Johnson is already looking ahead toward a sequel far, far away as he casts Episode VIII, and rumour has it a trio of actresses is in the running to play the film’s female lead.
Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) and Olivia Cooke (Bates Motel) are all said to be on the shortlist for the coveted role, reports The Wrap.
“Insiders”; tell The Wrap that Johnson is “narrowing down the field”; and that these three actresses are among a larger group who will be called in to audition with The Force Awakens” John Boyega for what The Wrap calls “a chemistry-read.”;
However, The Wrap also notes that casting is still in the early stages for the film, slated to go into production early next year, so no frontrunner has yet to emerge.
Reps for Disney have declined comment.