After months of searching for actor to play the lead role in "Star Wars: Episode VII," J.J Abrams has found a number of actors that are likely to get the part.
According to Variety, several young actors auditioned this past year, including "Downton Abbey's" Ed Speleers, "Attack the Block" star John Boyega, Jesse Plemons from "The Master," and theater actors Matthew James Thomas and Ray Fisher. Insiders, however, have already stated that the studio is still searching for more talent; these actors are currently at the top of the list.
News of young unknown actors being cast for the film comes as no surprise. A few weeks ago, it was reported that Jack Reynor could potentially grab the lead for the film.
The "Stars Wars" franchise has been known for casting new faces in lead roles and more famous actors in supporting roles. Such was the case when Mark Hamill played the role of Luke Skywalker, while Harrison Ford took the role of Han Solo. For the second trilogy, Hayden Christensen was cast as Anakin Skywalker while better known faces such as Ewan McGregor, Samuel L. Jackson and Natalie Portman took the supporting roles. Additionally, Abrams has said he would surround the unknowns with big name actors such as Ford, Carrie Fisher and Hamill.
The actors who have been short-listed have a track record but are not recognized as A-List talent. Speleers has appeared in a number of films including the special effects driven movie "Eragon," which marked his film debut. He has also been seen as Jimmy Kent in the Emmy Award-winning series "Downton Abbey."
British actor Boyega broke out in his film debut "Attack the Block." The actor has continued to make films in the indie realm, including the upcoming "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Junkhearts" with Eddie Marsen.
Meanwhile, American born Plemons has been featured in a number of films including "Like Mike," "Observe and Report" and "Battleship." He also starred in "The Master" and the hit TV show "Breaking Bad." His upcoming films include the Untitled Lance Armstrong biopic and "The Homesman."
Theater actor Thomas is best known for his work on "Billy Elliot," "About a Boy" and "The Lost Prince."
Disney has yet to comment on the casting news, but it is likely the studio and Abrams will soon announce the lead role.
A few weeks ago, Variety announced that Adam Driver was cast as the villain of the film and that he would play a character similar to Darth Vadar.
Little is known about the script, but reports state that Abrams and Kasdan rewrote the script to feature Han Solo and Princess' Leia's children in supporting roles. Michael Ardnt had originally written the offspring as central characters.
The upcoming "Star Wars" film is set to start shooting in the second quarter of the year in London's Pinewood studios. The film will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Bryan Burke and Abrams. Disney is expected to release the film on Dec. 18, 2015.