In the aftermath of last week’s Star Wars Celebration event, during which a plethora of details on the series were unveiled, two new names have been linked to the first standalone movie. As reported by The Wrap, Nightcrawler star Riz Ahmed and The Hunger Games‘ Sam Claflin are being sought for parts in Star Wars: Rogue One. The pair are said to be hot contenders for two separate roles in the movie’s vast resistance army.
Director Gareth Edwards revealed last week that the film would be a step away from earlier Star Wars ventures. “It comes down to a group of individuals who don’t have magical powers that have to somehow bring hope to the galaxy,” Edwards said during the event. Lucasfilm quickly followed that up by releasing the official logline for the movie, which will trace a bunch of resistance fighters who band together to steal Death Star plans. Should Claflin or Ahmed sign on, it’s likely that they’ll be suited up to portray one of those courageous few who embark on that adventurous heist.
The pair will be joining Felicity Jones, who is currently the only actor confirmed to appear. She was cast earlier this year in the role of a rebel soldier who likely leads the resistance to victory. Earlier rumors have connected Ben Mendelsohn to another mystery role in the movie, but his involvement should remain in the ‘speculative’ end of the casting call sheet for now.
With or without Claflin and Ahmed, Star Wars: Rogue One will hit theaters on December 16h, 2016.