As Star Wars: Episode VII approaches, casting rumors for the much-anticipated spin-offs are circulating like mad. The latest news, as reported by Deadline, is that Ben Mendelsohn is set to star alongside Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything) in the first spin-off, titled Star Wars: Rogue One.
Mendelsohn, originally from Australia, has become known to American audiences in recent years due to his roles in Killing Them Softly (2012), The Place Beyond the Pines (2012), and Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014). He’s also currently receiving acclaim for his role on the Netflix series Bloodline.
Gareth Edwards is set to direct this first Star Wars spin-off, with Chris Weitz writing the script from the original John Knoll story. Though the plot details for this spin-off have not been released, Disney has confirmed that two of the three spin-offs will feature the backstories of Boba Fett and Han Solo, so one of those characters may finally have their full story told in Rogue One. It had been rumored that Aaron Paul was circling a starring role, so with Mendelsohn in talks now, it’s unclear if it’s for the same role or if both actors could still star in the movie.
Star Wars: Episode VII will premiere this December, and readers can catch the first trailer here. Star Wars: Rogue One is scheduled to be released on December 16, 2016.
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