“Star Wars Episode VIII” reportedly eyes Bel Powley for lead role

PanARMENIAN.Net - While "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is trying to set more box office records, rumors about its follow-up, "Star Wars Episode VIII", have surfaced. The eighth episode of the "Star Wars" movie series reportedly eyes "The Diary of a Teenage Girl" actress Bel Powley to join the cast, according to AceShowbiz.

Praised for her performance in the 2015 drama starring Kristen Wiig and Alexander Skarsgard, Powley is believed to be in contention for a lead role in "Episode VIII". Gugu Mbatha-Raw was previously rumored to be eyed for the same role, which is being said as a "pivotal character." Since the role is kept secret, fans have yet to know what kind of relationship this character has with other new characters who appear in "The Force Awakens" like Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Powley and Mbatha-Raw are not the only candidates to play the said role. It was previously reported that "Orphan Black" star Tatiana Maslany was in contention for the part, joining Gina Rodriguez ("Jane the Virgin") and Olivia Cooke ("Me & Earl & the Dying Girl"). While Mbatha-Raw reportedly turned the project down, it's unknown if Maslany, Rodriguez and Cooke are still in the running.

Neither Disney nor Lucasfilm has confirmed those reports. Directed by Rian Johnson, "Episode VIII" will open stateside on May 26, 2017.