Director J.J. Abrams may have found one of his "unknown" lead actors for the upcoming "Star Wars Episode 7" production.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney/Lucasfilm production is eyeing Maisie Richardson-Sellers, an Oxford-educated actress. Richardson is a possible candidate for the role of Obi Wan Kenobi's daughter.
"One of the roles yet to be filled is that of a young black or mixed-race woman who may be a descendent of Jedi Knight Ben Kenobi," THR reports. "In the film, which takes place 30 years after the events of 1983's Star Wars: Episode III: Return of the Jedi, the character would cross paths with the children of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia." (Click here to see a photo of the actress)
However, neither the "Star Wars" production nor reps for Richardson have confirmed the casting news. Richardson joins potential villain actor Adam Driver, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, Gary Oldman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, Ed Speleers, John Boyega, Matthew James Thomas and Ray Fisher in the long list of actors who may be up for roles in the upcoming film.
Plemons, Speleer, Boyega, Thomas and Fisher are the five actors up for the lead male role for "Star Wars Episode 7," according to Variety. The entertainment website reported in March the casting process was delayed due to the production's attempts to diversify the cast.
"Sources also indicate the reason for the delay has to do whether execs and creatives want someone of a different ethnicity from the previous Caucasian leads," Variety reports. "Abrams has said on numerous occasions that he wants to have a diversified cast, which is why actors like David Oyelowo and Michael B. Jordan tested early on."
"Star Wars" franchise stars Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford are expected to reprise their roles in the upcoming film. "Star War Episode 7" will be released to theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.
