With Jack Reynor purportedly cast in "Star Wars: Episode VII," fresh questions emerge surrounding the newest entry into the hallowed franchise. Mainly—who is this guy? And does he really have the cred for "Star Wars?"
According to Ain't It Cool News, Reynor is up for a role in JJ Abrams' new movie although it is not known for which part. "I'm hearing that Jack Reynor, a young Irish actor that will be in this new Bay TRANSFORMERS trilogy - but that I've now heard from two different sources has landed a role in EPISODE VII," Ain't It Cool News reported.
The rumors aren't a big surprise as many actors have already been tied to the film. However, Reynor's mention is the first. The Irish actor is not very well known here in the U.S. but he will soon get exposure when he stars in Michael Bay's upcoming "Transformers." Reynor began his career in Ireland in small Independent films and garnered acclaim for his breakthrough performance in "What Richard Did," which went on to win the top award in Ireland and garnered him a Best Actor award. However, when the film was released in the U.S., it did not catch on with audiences.
The actor was recently seen in "Delivery Man" with Vince Vaughn and he is currently filming "Glassland" with Toni Collette and Will Poulter. He is also set to star in "Macbeth" with Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard.
If the rumors of Reynor's casting are true it wouldn't be the first time a "Star Wars" movie has cast a relatively unknown star. The first films in the franchise were cast with unknown actors in the lead roles and surrounded them with star-studded casts. Back in 1977 when Mark Hamill was cast as Luke Skywalker, Hamill was relatively unknown and had only done small roles in television shows. Instead of casting a big name for the lead role, George Lucas cast a known actor for the supporting role of Han Solo, Harrison Ford, who was already popular, having starred in "Amrican Graffiti" and "The Conversation."
The same thing happened in 1999 and 2002 when Lucas was casting his new trilogy. For "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" it was rumored that Haley Joel Osmont would take the role of Anakin Skywalker but Lucas cast an unknown, Jake Lloyd.
In 2002, Hayden Christensen was chosen for the role of Anakin in "Attack of the Clones." Many actors were rumored for the role including Leonardo DiCaprio. However, it was Christensen, an actor who had done a number of independent films and TV series, who wound up being Lucas' top choice. However, even though he was relatively unknown he had already garnered Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his work on "Life as a House." Samuel L. Jackson, Natalie Portman, and Ewan McGregor were better-known actors and comprised the supporting cast for those films.
While the studio has yet to confirm the news, Reynor's casting choice would not be a big surprise. However, given the fact that he is in "Transformers" and may return for another film, a "Star Wars" film could easily create some scheduling conflicts for the actor.
"Star Wars: Episode VII" will be directed by J.J Abrams and produced Kathleen Kennedy. Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams wrote the script based on drafts by Michael Arndt.
"Star Wars: Episode VII" is set for release on Dec. 18, 2015 with production slated to begin later this year.
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