Three frontrunners to play the female lead in 2017’s Star Wars: Episode VIII have emerged. The shortlist for the role includes actresses Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) and Olivia Cooke (Bates Motel).
According to The Wrap, the three are only in very early stages of the casting process, which means it’s entirely possible that none of them walk away with the part, especially considering that director Rian Johnson may still be auditioning other “rising stars.” On the other hand, different sources also told the site that Maslany, Rodriguez and Cooke could end up chemistry-reading with Star Wars: The Force Awakens star John Boyega before the end of the month.
Starting off with Maslany, the actress has earned an extremely large amount of praise for her work on BBC’s Orphan Black, on which she plays multiple roles. In fact, Maslany received her first ever Emmy nomination in July for the show. Her other credits include The Vow, Woman in Gold and Parks and Recreation.
Next, Rodriguez has become one of the breakout stars of the year, thanks to her hit CW show Jane the Virgin, which she garnered a Golden Globe for in the Best Comedy Actress category. Despite her recent success, the actress has a lot of experience under her belt from working in the film/TV industry for over a decade.
Lastly, Cooke is best known for playing Emma Decody on A&E’s Bates Motel, but she also recently starred in the Sundance smash Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. On top of that, she has appeared in a couple high-profile horror films, including The Quiet Ones and Ouija.
Whoever is cast will most likely be joining Oscar-winning actor Benicio del Toro, who will reportedly be playing a villain, in the film.
Star Wars: Episode VIII will hit theaters on May 26, 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=qvTY7eXXIMg
Originally published September 2, 2015. Updated April 13, 2018.
