Felicity Jones (Photo : Reuters)
"The Theory of Everything" actress Felicity Jones has been slated to play a leading role in a standalone film set in the Star Wars Universe, the Hollywood Reporter.
Jones, nominated for a 2015 Lead Actress Academy Award, is currently in talks to star in the Star Wars film, which is being helmed by "Godzilla 2" director Gareth Edwards. Although the first draft was written by "The Walking Dead" writer Gary Whitta, he has been replaced by Chris Weitz of "The Golden Compass" and "About a Boy."
Felicity Jones was nominated for her role in "The Theory of Everything" opposite Eddie Redmayne. The biographical film tells the story of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. "Orphan Black" actress Tatiana Maslany and "Her" star Rooney Mara were among those who were reportedly in contention for the Star Wars lead, according to CBS News.
Aaron Paul of "Breaking Bad" fame is reportedly being considered for another role in the film.
Another "Star Wars" spin-off to be helmed by "Chronicle" director Josh Trank is also reportedly in the works. It is still unclear how the two films will figure in the main Star Wars storyline.
"The Force Awakens," which is the latest installment of the saga, will open on Dec. 18. Set 30 years after the events of "Return of the Jedi", the film brings back original cast members Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, as well as new faces John Boyega and Adam Driver. "Return of the Jedi" was released in 1983.
Disney has big plans for the Star Wars franchise, which it acquired when it bought Lucasfilm in 2012 for a reported $14 billion. The studio had no comment as of press time.
