Felicity Jones, whose performance as Stephen Hawking’s first wife in The Theory of Everything has earned her an Oscar nomination, is reportedly in talks to star in Gareth Edwards’ Star Wars spin-off.
The casting was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter, which also claims that Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul and Carlos star Edgar Ramirez are being considered for the male lead.
Jones’ negotiations were also reported by TheWrap.
This news comes after a flurry of reports about the project, which will be directed by the Godzilla helmer. Early in January, writer Gary Whitta left the film, only to be replaced by Cinderella’s Chris Weitz. Then, there were rumors that the actresses being tested for the film included Rooney Mara and Orphan Black’s Tatiana Maslany.
In addition, the film’s subject is still a complete mystery. Disney chief Bob Iger reportedly said that the spin-offs will be about characters in the new trilogy, but Jones isn’t part of the cast for The Force Awakens.
Edwards’ film is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2016, so we will know if Jones got the part for certain soon enough.
image courtesy of INFphoto.com