British Newcomer Marks The Latest 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Casting Rumors

British Newcomer Marks The Latest 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Casting Rumors

Amid the many high-profile names bandied about for parts in "Star Wars: Episode VII," an unknown British actress has reportedly been tapped to take on what could be one of the film's lead roles.

Oxford graduate Maisie Richardson-Sellers is in line for an unspecified role that sources speculate could be what casting notices call a "young black or mixed-race woman who may be a descendent of Jedi Knight Ben Kenobi," according to The Hollywood Reporter. It's a role that THR previously speculated could belong to Lupita Nyong'o. The Oscar-winning actress reportedly met with director J.J. Abrams about an undisclosed role last month.

Richardson-Sellars has yet to appear in a feature film. She spent her Oxford years doing theater work, including a lead role in a production of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf," playing the character Janet Jackson portrayed in the 2010 film adaptation.

The young actress' casting could be one of the final loose ends "Episode VII" must tie up before entering full-blown production in May. Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn said last week that casting is almost complete. The casting process has remained shrouded in secrecy since the announcement of the new trilogy, with Abrams and the casting directors having auditioned hundreds of actors.

[via THR]

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