On Friday it was revealed that Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad) is set to meet with J.J. Abrams for a second audition for a lead role in Star Wars: Episode VII, and now The Hollywood Reporter is claiming to have uncovered several more names said to have caught Abrams’ eye for Disney’s eagerly-anticipated return to a galaxy far, far away.

According to the site, Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave, X-Men: Days of Future Past), Adam Driver (Lincoln, Girls) and Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, Captain America: The First Avenger) all said to be in the frame, with the latter apparently in contention for “an Imperial commander.” The report also suggests that Lucasfilm is now searching for a “20-something female actress who is either of mixed race or black” to portray the “daughter or granddaughter of Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Hmm…

While we’ve all had enough casting rumours to last us a lifetime, the article also throws up some possible plot details for Episode VII – specifically the changes that J.J. Abrams and co-writer Lawrence Kasdan (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi) are said to be making to the storyline after taking over scripting duties from Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3):

“Arndt is said to have focused on the offspring of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), with the original trilogy heroes taking on supporting roles. Abrams, however, wanted Episode VII to focus on the classic trio of characters, so audiences could have one more chance to enjoy them before a fitting send-off. The new characters, the offspring, will now be in supporting roles, according to these sources, and take center stage in Episode VIII and IX. Some characters have disappeared from the Arndt script and new ones are being drafted.”

So, what are your thoughts on these latest casting rumours, and would you like to see Episode VII focussing on the Original Trilogy heroes for one last fitting send off? Let us know in the comments below…