According to Latino-Review and The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave, Non-Stop) has met with J.J. Abrams about the female lead in 2015’s eagerly-anticipated return to a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Episode VII. Although there are no specific character details, the site speculates that the part could be that of a descendent of Obi-Wan Kenobi, which is thought to be a non-Caucasian role.
This latest casting talk comes hot on the heels of reports suggesting that Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad), John Boyega (Attack the Block), Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey) and theatre actors Matthew James Thomas and Ray Fisher head Abrams’ wishlist for the male lead. Meanwhile Girls star Adam Driver is said to be finalising a deal to star as the new villain, where he’d presumably join returning stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo) and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia).
Star Wars: Episode VII is set for release on December 18th, 2015.