Felicity Jones ("The Theory of Everything") will be front and center in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," the first non-saga "Star Wars" film, when it arrives later this year. However, that wasn't always the case. Jones is a talented up-and-coming actress, but her lead role in the "Star Wars" spinoff almost went to two-time Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara. If not for poor timing, fans could have been getting an entirely different lead actress.
The actress was recently interviewed by Deadline Hollywood and confirmed a report that she was up for the role now known as Lyra Erso at one point.
"I met with the director (Gareth Edwards) and I really liked him but then I didn't end up reading for it," Mara revealed. "I was working, and it wasn't the right thing for me, so I decided not to read for it. I was on a film. I was working six day weeks and it was just, like, it wasn't going to be possible."
Mara has said in the past that her decision-making process when it comes to choosing roles depends a lot on the director, so it's great to hear her give relative newcomer Edwards a passing grade. Clearly, though, her busy schedule kept her from traveling to that galaxy far, far away.
Perhaps it was for the best. Film studios have long rearranged shooting schedules to accommodate actors, but it is doubtful that Lucasfilm would have delayed "Rogue One" for Mara. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy wants at least one "Star Wars" film in theaters every year until 2020. With "Star Wars: Episode VIII" already being pushed back several months, there was no chance that "Rogue One" would be moved. And, hey, Felicity Jones is also an Oscar-nominated actress, so it's not like we're getting a drop in quality.
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will hit theaters on Dec. 16.
