Felicity Jones to star in Star Wars standalone movie

By Rick Marshall February 4, 2015

felicity jones star wars standalone movie the theory of everything — Image used with permission by copyright holder

After rumors swirled last month regarding casting for the female lead in the upcoming Star Wars spinoff movie, the studio has reportedly found its leading lady in The Theory of Everything actress Felicity Jones.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lucasfilm and Disney are currently in talks with the Oscar-nominated actress to play the lead role in director Gareth Edwards’ upcoming, still-untitled movie set in the Star Wars universe. About A Boy and The Golden Compass screenwriter Chris Weitz was recently hired to work on the script for the film, which was initially penned by Gary Whitta.

Jones apparently beat out actresses Rooney Mara and Tatiana Maslany, who were previously rumored as contenders for the unidentified role. The outlet reports Breaking Bad‘s Aaron Paul and The Bourne Ultimatum‘s Edgar Ramirez are among the actors currently being considered for the male lead in the film.

Scheduled to hit theaters December 16, 2016, the film is veiled in secrecy, with few details available about the plot or where it fits in the greater Star Wars continuity.

Jones is currently in the running for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Jane Hawking, the first wife of physicist Stephen Hawking, in The Theory of Everything.

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