Felicity Jones is negotiating with Disney and Lucasfilm to lead a new standalone "Star Wars" movie from director Gareth Edwards, this according to The Hollywood Reporter. A representative for Jones had no comment; a representative for Lucasfilm was not immediately available.
Per THR, Jones beat out "Orphan Black" star Tatiana Maslany and Rooney Mara for the part in the film, which is set for release in December of next year. It's unclear what role Jones would play, but a previous rumor had her set to star as a young version of Princess Leia. Carrie Fisher played Princess Leia in the original trilogy and will reprise her role for the upcoming "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
According to TheWrap, Aaron Paul is also being sought to play the male lead in Edwards' standalone feature.
Jones has some blockbuster experience. She co-starred in "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" as Felicia Hardy, a character who eventually becomes Black Cat in the Marvel Comics series. "I like watching bigger films," she told HuffPost Live last year. "As long as there's something you find when you read the script -- some response you have to it -- then I think go for it. I think the world needs both [small films and blockbusters]. Sometimes you do just want to go to the movies and be entertained."
Jones is nominated at this year's Oscars in the Best Actress category for her role in "The Theory of Everything." For more on the "Star Wars" spinoff, head to THR.
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