Gugu Mbatha-Raw Rumored For Star Wars: Episode VIII Female Lead

In his latest Star Wars column, Latino Review’s Dave Gonzalez includes two very interesting updates for Looper director Rian Johnson’s still untitled Star Wars: Episode VIII – one of which adds a new name to the shortlist of actresses that are up for the female lead role in the movie.

According to him, Belle actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw is vying for one of the leads alongside Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin), Golden Globe nominee Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) and Me and Earl and the Dying Girl star Olivia Cooke. Yes, I said one of the roles – because the second update suggests that these ladies are actually all in the mix to portray two different characters.

We don’t have any details on either role, but both are said to be “substantial.” Apparently, Mbatha-Raw has definitely auditioned, but beyond that we have no idea which of these actresses are emerging as the frontrunners.

Johnson is writing and directing Star Wars: Episode VIII, which also stars Benicio Del Toro and has a release date of May 26, 2017. We’ll keep you posted when we hear more, but for now, tell us, who would you like to see take the female lead in the film? Sound off below and let us know.

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