The highly-awaited 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' is still a few months away before its release date, yet Lucasfilm is already getting ready to work on 'Episode VIII!'
According to TheWrap, multiple insiders are reporting that director Rian Johnson is already auditioning young actresses who will take on the lead role in 'Star Wars: Episode VIII.' The top three contenders so far are the Emmy-nominated Tatiana Maslany, 'Jane the Virgin' star Gina Rodriguez and up-and-coming actress Olivia Cooke.
The insiders have also told TheWrap that Rian Johnson is still testing more girls for the role, and that the chosen actresses are expected to chemistry-read with 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' star John Boyega by the end of the month.
#StarWars 8 reportedly eyes Tatiana Maslany, Gina Rodriguez, and Olivia Cooke for female lead https://t.co/E0NIimfwzL pic.twitter.com/8kLPdcQCiV
— IGN (@IGN) September 2, 2015
Tatiana Maslany appears to be one of the favorites due to her impressive performance as several clones in the BBC America TV series 'Orphan Black.' She has won several awards and has been nominated for the Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globe and People's Choice Awards. Maslany was recently nominated for the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Meanwhile, Benicio del Toro has finally confirmed that he has been offered a role in 'Star Wars: Episode VIII.' "I can't tell you much about it but I think that it might happen," del Toro told Entertainment Tonight. "It looks like it's gonna happen, so I'm very excited."
Benicio Del Toro on Playing #STARWARS EPISODE 8 Villain: "Looks Like It's Gonna Happen" https://t.co/rkBVjpGuEq pic.twitter.com/4c9sLKLXV8 — Geekocracy (Dave El) (@thegeekocracy) August 18, 2015
Benicio del Toro also admitted that he has already read the script, but refused to divulge anything.
"I can't talk too much about it," del Toro said. "The script is hard to get, they told me they'll cut my finger if I talk about it."
The 'Guardians of the Galaxy' actor spoke about how he enjoyed 'Star Wars' when he was growing up.
"I saw the original one when it came out and it marked me," del Toro said. "I was impressed by the film and by the characters and with the story and the message."
'Star Wars: Episode VIII' is scheduled for release on May 26, 2017.
