It looks like the ladies will be taking center stage in Star Wars Episode VIII. According to Latino-Review, the still untitled middle installment of the new Star Wars trilogy will have not one but two new female lead roles.
Previous reports mentioned that a trio of up and coming actresses were already on the short list for a role in the film. These names included, Golden Globe winner star Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin), Golden Globe Nominee Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), and indie actress and future Spielberg leading lady Olivia Cooke.
Now, Latino Review says, another name has entered the mix. The website is reporting that the relatively unknown British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw is in the running for a role as well.
The actress first came up on the Hollywood radar thanks to her lead performance in last year's Beyond the Lights. She's also had a minor role in the Wachowski's sci-fi film Jupiter Ascending and is already signed on to star opposite Will Smith in the upcoming American Football expose Concussion.
Latino Review says that Mbatha-Raw has already undergone an audition for Episode VIII.
No one knows exactly who these characters are, but the report stresses that both roles will be 'substantial'.
When the names of the original shortlist were revealed in the press, it was mentioned that part of their auditioning process would be a 'chemistry-read' with John Boyega, indicating that one of the new female characters in Episode VIII may serve as a romantic interest for his character Finn.
Whoever among the four actresses makes the cut will be joining a cast that includes Episode VII stars Boyega, Daisy Ridley, and Oscar Isaac as well newcomer Benicio Del Toro; who is already confirmed to be Episode VIII's chief antagonist.
The film is slated for release in 2017.
