As "Star Wars: The Force Awakens' nears its December premiere date, updates for the succeeding "Star Wars: Episode 8' are also being regularly rolled out. Casting reports have shed light on the possibilities that two female characters will be taking on lead roles, and Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin Skywalker, could return to the sequel.
Rather than having only one female lead character in the second chapter of the new "Star Wars' sequel trilogy, two new female cast members are reportedly being eyed for "Star Wars: Episode 8.'
As pointed out by CinemaBlend, casting rumors have revealed another contender to the roster of actresses who will take on the female lead role in the highly-anticipated installment.
"Beauty and the Beast' actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw has been chosen as one of the actresses for the "Star Wars: Episode 8' lead, joining three other stars who were previously reported to have been on the list as well. These include 'Orphan Black' star Tatiana Maslany, 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl' actress Olivia Cooke, and Gina Rodriguez from 'Jane the Virgin.'
"We've heard that it is not one role, but TWO female roles, both substantial, that share the same shortlist," a casting report stated. "Not only that, but can report there's a fourth name on that short list that wasn't reported and an important one: British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Apparently she's had an audition and everything."
As for Christensen, who portrayed Anakin Skywalker and then Darth Vader in "Episode II: Attack of the Clones' and "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith' in the "Star Wars' film series, might be making a comeback in the franchise for a special appearance in "Star Wars: Episode VIII.'
As stated by The Hollywood Reporter, the 34 year-old actor could bring back Darth Vader in the upcoming movie. According to a source close to the film, a team from the United Kingdom will be responsible for training Christensen as he prepares for his "Star Wars' return.
"A team in the U.K. are soon heading to the U.S. to begin training Hayden Christensen for a Star Wars: Episode VIII appearance of some sort," the insider stated.
Although it was not mentioned whether the actor would be returning to the film series as Darth Vader in his traditional character or in another form, a special, fully operational helmet and chest piece for Darth Vader are reportedly being created.
Helmed Ryan Johnson, "Star Wars: Episode VIII' makes its way to theaters on May 26, 2017 while "Star Wars: The Force Awakens' has been set for an official premiere on Dec. 17, 2015
