The pieces of Star Wars: Episode VII are coming together slowly but surely. Though it’s not been confirmed, it’s looking likely that Adam Driver will be the villain of the next movie, and now we have some rumors about the leading hero. Variety’s sources are reporting that the search for a lead protagonist for Episode VII may still be ongoing, but that five actors are at the top of the list: Jesse Plemmons (Breaking Bad), Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey), John Boyega (Attack the Block), and relatively unknown theater actors Matthew James Thomas and Ray Fisher. Whew.
Neither Disney or Lucasfilm have confirmed these names or a description of the role these men are vying to get. According to Variety, “the part is believed to be a Jedi apprentice.†If that’s true, it could be a Skywalker or Solo offspring carrying on the torch.
I can definitely picture a couple of these actors wielding a lightsaber, especially Jesse Plemons, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see a fresh face from theater in the part. Casting new actors isn’t something unheard of in the Star Wars universe. As far as who gets officially cast? Well, like Master Yoda would say, patience, you must have.
Which of these actors would you like to see in Episode VII? Let us know in the comments.
[HT: Variety]
“I agree. We have carried this politically correct thing too far. I’m all for diversity, but only when it makes sense. Luke Skywalker is not black and neither should his offspring be. Come on people, what are you thinking? Let’s be real about this and not just jump on the Diversity bandwagon.”
Wanda Macracken
No Words spoken more True on this,or more Correct!
I have Low Hopes for this Movie,especially in this day and age but we’ll see I guess….
So sick of this PC Bullshit though!
Not a Fan of any of those Cats for a lead role but I guess if I had to pick i’d Go Ed Speleers first then MJT..I Like Jesse Plemons but im just gonna keep seein him being the halftard getting choked out by Jessie from Breaking Bad ..too soon lol
I agree. We have carried this politically correct thing too far. I’m all for diversity, but only when it makes sense. Luke Skywalker is not black and neither should his offspring be. Come on people, what are you thinking? Let’s be real about this and not just jump on the Diversity bandwagon.
Definitely Matthew James Thomas. I took 8 minutes on this decision, and he’s the only one with good enough looks. Just saying. The rest of them have weirdly shaped faces and Jesse Plemons looks like he has downs syndrome. Also, John Boyega shouldn’t even be considered as the offspring of skywalker. That’s just kind of stupid. Only Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu) is epic enough for that.
I think Matthew James Thomas and Ed Speleers are the only ones who could pass as Skywalkers or Solos.
Is it just me or does Matthew James Thomas (at least in that picture) look kinda like Ewan McGregor?
^ this.
How about Ben Affleck?! He’s already set to ruin Batman, I’d love to be able to blame Star Wars on him, too.
@nicole It hasn’t been stated that the hero of the film will be a Skywalker or Solo. Plus the EU has pretty much been thrown out things will progress down whatever path Disney sees fit.
Ray Fisher or none. He’s so talented!!! It’s so incredible to see him on here! Go Ray!
Ray Fisher or bust.
Get it Ray!!!
Jesse Plemons!!!!!!!
Ray Fisher is amazing!
I understand about diversity, but How can you have African American
actors play the part of a character that have always been Caucasian? Skywalker was born a Caucasian…I don’t understand why his race needs to be changed? I can see some of the other characters being African American. You need to stick to the story and leave well enough alone. Remember the remake of Wild Wild West with Will Smith? I love Will Smith as an actor, but it didn’t work him playing
the lead role. It didn’t do good at the box office either.
I’m super biased but: go vote for Mr. Ray Fisher. I’ve known the guy for years and you have no idea how amazing he would be in the role.
I vote for an unknown! The franchise is big enough and attractive enough to open without a name, and this is a great opportunity to break the next Harrison Ford (with the exception of being a better Nerdist interviewee)! I found the celebrities in I, II, and III to be a distraction and a missed opportunity to bring new actors to the fore.
I’ve always thought Jesse Plemons looks a bit… downs syndromy… lol sorry. Just doesnt look like a smart guy.
None of them seem like leading men or action heroes
Matthew James Thomas would fit the image of a Han and Leia child. Hope it’s him
I vote for Tom Hiddleston!!!! Bryan Dick? Matt Smith?
OMG METH DAMON YES
I’m also rooting for Boyega. He was pretty impressive in Attack the Block.
I’m rooting for John Boyega or Ray Fisher. Some diversity would be nice. I would hope that they cast an American to play the protagonist. Any English actor would have to be Imperial given their accents. They never do an American accent right.
Well if we’re carrying a Solo Skywalker line I am going to go off looks and toss Matthew out there. To be honest I haven’t actually heard of him before so I don’t know what his skills are like, but he looks the part of a Solo Skywalker offspring. Though I don’t remember if Han has blue eyes coz I know for sure Leias are brown.
If we’re not talking child, I am voting John Boyega, he is young enough to be an apprentice and looks the part of a Jedi. Again I don’t know much about his history, so I can only go off looks. He looks like the kind of Jedi who’d grow old and wise though, not a villain type :/
Meth Damon would be glorious if only for meme potential alone.
Though honestly John Boyega impressed me way too much to not want to see him take the reigns on another Sci-Fi epic
Isn’t the fact that they’re considering black actors a sign that the part is not for a Solo or Skywalker?
Also, I thought Adam Driver’s character was described as a “Darth Vader-like figure”. That doesn’t describe a villain to me, so much as a Jedi who falls and becomes a villain by the end of the trilogy, such as Jaycen Solo.
Jesse Plemons
Ed Speleers – great fit for the son of Skywalker, plus he already knows how to handle a sword (Eragon)