Star Wars Episode VIII director Rian Johnson is shown on the screen during a Disney fan event. (Photo : Getty Images / Image Group LA)
"Beyond the Lights" actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw is rumored to be part of the cast ensemble of Rian Johnson's upcoming sci-fi space film "Star Wars: Episode VIII."
Sources told Latino Review that British actress Mbatha-Raw has the chance to play the female lead role in Johnson's forthcoming film. She is set to join other actresses in the shortlist, including "Orphan Black" actress Tatiana Maslany, "Jane the Virgin" actress Gina Rodriguez, and "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" actress Olivia Cooke.
Aside from Gina Prince-Brythewood's musical drama film "Beyond the Lights," Mbatha-Raw is also known for her roles in Amma Asante's romance drama film "Belle," Stephen Sommers' comedy fantasy film "Odd Thomas," and Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski's action sci-fi film "Jupiter Ascending."
As for her current and upcoming projects, Mbatha-Raw is set to be part of Courtney Hunt's drama thriller "The Whole Truth," Peter Landesman's sports drama "Concussion," Gary Ross' historical drama "The Free State of Jones," and Bill Condon's live-adaptation film "Beauty and the Beast."
With "Looper" director Johnson set to helm the film, "Star Wars" director George Lucas is on board to co-pen the screenplay. Ram Bergman, Tom Karnowski, and Kathleen Kennedy are set to co-produce the film.
"Star Wars: Episode VIII" stars Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, and Benicio del Toro, with the latter playing the villain, as per Cinema Blend. Exact details on the plot, additional characters, and cast are yet to be revealed.
Meanwhile, fans are set to see J.J. Abrams' "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens." Set 30 years after the events in the "Return of Jedi," it showcases an ensemble of both old and new heroes and villains. The film also Isaac, Hamill, Max von Sydow, Simon Pegg, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson, John Boyega, Gwendoline Christie, Adam Driver, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford, among others.
Johnson's "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is slated to premiere in theaters on May 26, 2017 while Abrams' "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" hits theaters on Dec. 18.
