We may have our next piece of official news regarding Star Wars: Episode IX as Variety reports Keri Russell (The Americans) has begun early talks to join the film.
Fresh off the ending of The Americans, Russell will potentially join the galaxy far, far away and re-team with Episode IX director J.J. Abrams. The pair have worked together in the past as Abrams co-created the television series Felicity, in which Russell was the lead star, and directed her in Mission: Impossible III. Abrams and Lucasfilm executives reportedly met with Russell and several other actresses, but they settled on The Americans alum just prior to the Fourth of July holiday.
It is unknown what role Russell will have, but it is said to involve action-heavy fight scenes (it’s previously been rumoured that Lucasfilm was looking to cast an actress between 40 and 50 years old for the role of ‘Mara’, prompting speculation about the possible inclusion of the EU character Mara Jade). Abrams is also looking to fill two more roles before production begins at the end of the month.
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Little is known about Star Wars: Episode IX, but Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver are expected to return for the concluding chapter in the Sequel Trilogy. It has also been rumoured that Billy Dee Williams and Ewan McGregor will reprise their roles as Lando Calrissian and Obi-Wan Kenobi.