For a film that begins production in just a few months time, J.J. Abrams is surely in no rush to get his ensemble together for Star Wars: Episode VII. Although no confirmation has come through yet, Adam Driver looks to be the closest on board, with trades indicating he’s set for a villain role. Now, Latino Review has put forth the rumor that Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, coming off her first feature role in 12 Years a Slave, is up for perhaps the major role of a Sith. When it comes to our thoughts on the matter, we’ll just refer to this tweet from an esteemed colleague.
Defying expectations, Joe Wright has decided that Keira Knightly won’t take the female lead role in his next feature. Instead, The Wrap reports that Rooney Mara is getting the distinction, joining his live-action Warner Bros. tentpole Pan. With Hugh Jackman on board as Blackbeard and Garrett Hedlund as Captain Hook, Mara is looking at the role of the Native American princess Tiger Lily, which is already stirring up its fair share of controversy. Also joining the cast is Four Lions star Adeel Akhtar, who will take the role of Smee in the film that’s landing on July 17th, 2015.
In other blockbuster news, Terminator: Genesis has filled out its main cast with Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, and the returning Arnold Schwarzenegger, and now another name has been added. J.K. Simmons, last seen in the Sundance winner Whiplash, will take on the role of “a weary and alcoholic detective who has followed a bizarre case involving Sarah Connor and robots for more than three decades,” since the original film’s timeline. Set for a release on July 1st, 2015, direction comes from Thor: The Dark World‘s Alan Taylor. [THR]
Which of the above projects are you most looking forward to?