‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ Cast Rumors: Gina Rodriguez, Tatiana Maslany, Olivia Cooke in the Running to Land Lead Role

By Cheri Cheng - 02 Sep '15 13:12PM

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" is very close to casting the female lead. According to TheWrap, Gina Rodriguez from CW's "Jane the Virgin," Tatiana Maslany from BBC America's "Orphan Black," and Olivia Cooke from the movie, "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl," are all in the running to star in the franchise movie.

Rodriguez's work on "Jane the Virgin" was recently recognized at the Golden Globes where she won the award for best actress in a television series musical or comedy. After her breakout-out role as Jane, she has been in demand. Rodriguez will be starring opposite Mark Wahlberg and Dylan O'Brien in the movie, "Deepwater Horizon."

Maslany, who was also in the running for the lead in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," just received her first Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a drama series. The Canadian actress recently filmed indie movie, "Two Lovers and a Bear." She can also be seen in "Woman in Black."

Cooke is known for her portrayal of a young cancer patient in the outstanding movie, "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl." She is reportedly one of the frontrunners to star in Steven Spielberg's "Ready Player One."

All three actresses will do a chemistry-read with John Boyega, who starred in "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens." The read will reportedly take place before the end of the month. Even though they are the frontrunners, insiders stated that director Rian Johnson will continue to audition other actresses as well.

Oscar winning actor Benicio del Toro is rumored to be playing the villain. There are currently no plot details available. However, that has not stopped fans from speculating what the latest installment will be about. Many believe that this upcoming movie will introduce Han Solo's daughter.

The movie will be produced by Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Pictures. The script was written by Johnson and George Lucas.

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" will come out in theaters on May 26, 2017.