Is this the first piece of actual casting news for Star Wars: Episode VII? Maybe.
Variety is reporting that while a final deal has not been signed, Girls star Adam Driver is in final negotiations to play the lead villain role in Disney’s upcoming new Star Wars trilogy. There is no word on the character’s name, but according to Variety’s sources, it will be “in the vein of iconic Star Wars villain Darth Vader.”
If true, this will make the 30-year-old actor the first new cast member to join the trilogy’s cast. We’ve previously known that original trilogy stars Mark Hammil, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford to Anthony Daniels and even Billy Dee Williams and Peter Mayhew were in line to return.
Interestingly, Driver was also in contention for the role of Lex Luthor in the upcoming Batman Vs Superman. I am sure he shouldn’t take it too closely to heart that casting directors think he just oozes evilness.
Filming is set to begin in April in London’s Pinewood Studios.
Actors previously linked to various casting rumors include Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Jack O’Connell, Alex Pettyfer, Saoirse Ronan, Jesse Plemons, Michael Fassbender, Hugo Weaving, Adam Driver and even Dame Judi Dench, though we’re calling BS on that one.
Adam Driver Set To Sign For New STAR WARS Trilogy Villain Role http://t.co/hCOlRujkqp