It’s been more than a year since news broke that J.J. Abrams would be handling the directing duties on Star Wars: Episode VII, but since then there hasn’t been much real news to actually report on. What we have had to deal with, though, have been countless rumors about who will star in the next trilogy. Now Variety has a list of new names rumored to be up for the possible role of the young Jedi apprentice lead in the film.
These names include Attack the Block’s John Boyega, Downton Abbey’s Ed Speleers, The Masters’ Jesse Plemmons, and theater actors Matthew James Thomas and Ray Fisher. Abrams is keen on this role going to a young and relatively unknown actor, which would apply to all of those names.
While those names might not be exciting for the general audience, the fact that Abrams is valuing acting chops over marquee recognition is encouraging. Plus, there are plenty of other supporting and villain roles to fill out with big names later on.
Star Wars: Episode VII will hit theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.
[via Variety]
