Female Lead for Star Wars: Episode VIII Shortlisted

With Episode VII scheduled for release on December 18, progress is already being made for the next instalment. The Wrap has reported that actresses have been shortlisted for the female lead, including Gina Rodriguez, Tatiana Maslany and Olivia Cooke. The outlet has added that there are a few others as well, who will be auditioning for the role.

The eight part of the hit franchise will be written and directed by Rian Johnson. Benicio Del Toro will probably play the role of the villain. It will be produced by Ram Bergman and Kathleen Kennedy. It will come to screens after the first anthology film of the franchise titled Rogue One: A Star Wars Story which will be directed by Gareth Edwards.

The seventh instalment titled Star Wars: The Force Awakens is directed by J.J. Abrams and will follow the story based in an era approximately 30 years after the events of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. The cast will include Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac. More details for the eighth part will be clear after the release of part seven.

Source: thewrap.com, unrealitytv.co.uk, screendaily.com