Rumor: Bel Powley In The Running For A Key Role In ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’
Star Wars: The Force Awakensis already the #1 highest grossing film on the domestic box office charts. And with a release in China this weekend, Disney and Lucasfilm are certainly hoping it has the legs to take the top spot on the international box office charts as well. In the meantime, fans are already eagerly anticipatingStar Wars: Episode VIII, to continue the story that began inThe Force Awakens. Little is known about the film as of now, but a new rumor has named another potential star for the sequel.
While we previously heard thatBeyond the LightsandJupiter AscendingstarGugu Mbatha-Rawhad landed a pivotal rolein Episode 8, a new rumor pegsBel Powley, the breakout star of the Sundance selectedDiary of a Teenage Girl, as being in the running for the same role.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a full trade scoop or anything like that. But back in December, Variety reporterJustin Krollmentioned on Twitterto The Wrap reporterJeff Sneiderthat Mbatha-Raw was no longer on board forEpisode VIII, despite directorRian Johnsonwanting her for the role. And now, nearly a month later, Sneider has taken to the latest episode ofMeet the Movie Pressto deliver the rumor that Powley is now in the mix for the role.
Let’s not forget that other names such asOrphan Black’sTatiana Maslany,Jane the Virgin’sGina Rodriguez, andMe and Earl and the Dying Girl’sOlivia Cookewere previously on a shortlist for this mystery role inStar Wars: Episode VIII. Bel Powley inStar Wars Episode VIIIis just the latest name rumored for the role. Anything can still happen.
If you missedThe Diary of a Teenage Girlthis year,it’s worth seeking out immediately. The film only made it as an Honorable Mention inmy picks for the Top 10 Movies of 2015, but it was one of my favorite films at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015 as well asJack’s top movie of the year. Aside from Powley’s mesmerizing eyes, the film shows she has plenty of charisma, attitude and some powerful dramatic chops as well, which would make her a fine addition to theStar Warsgalaxy.
Again, take this all with a grain of salt for now. But with production onEpisode VIIIhappening sometime later this year in an effort to meet theMay 26th, 2017release date that’s been set by Disney and Lucasfilm already, we should be hearing more firm details about casting very soon.
