Considering the source, there's every reason to be skeptical. However, our friend Brendon Connelly at Bleeding Cool has verified it independently, so there must be some validity to it. He adds that Ronan has read for the lead role, not a supporting one. This is still very early on, and there are other recognizable actresses who vying for a part, so who knows exactly how this will turn out. Ronan did recently turn down a role in The Avengers: Age of Ultron, another Disney property, but that doesn't necessarily mean the situations are connected. Ronan is a terrific young actress, and it's exciting to see Disney and Lucasfilm putting such an emphasis on female characters, especially in the world of Star Wars where they could definitely use a few.
But what about that whole Benedict Cumberbatch thing? What's up with that? It's been more than two weeks since Cumberbatch was definitively declared to be in Star Wars, with some sort of announcement from Lucasfilm to come. In that time all we've seen are denials by the actor's reps, some playful teasing by the actor, along with his signing on to other projects that would seem to conflict with the schedule. Even though it wasn't them who broke the story to begin with, Latino Review are claiming it as their own and are striking back against those who doubt them....
"DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE ABOUT BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH NOT BEING IN STAR WARS. HE IS IN THE MOVIE! In fact, he will be in all three Star Wars films! It’s all a smoke screen. Folks, remember when Cumberbatch denied being Khan for over a year? Same situation here. At least give us the benefit of the doubt hence why we are bringing this up. Point is, he lied before and he can lie again. Google it. One more time because it is worth repeating, Benedict Cumberbatch will be will in the upcoming Star Wars movies. I don’t care if he denies it till opening day. We were right before about him playing Khan, and we will be right again on this one. Technically, his part in Episode VII is very small but the role is much bigger in Episode VIII and Episode IX."
Can't really argue with them about Cumberbatch's tendency towards deception, but it does seem like the site is beginning to take some of the negative attention they're receiving of late a little personally. There does seem to be enough independent sourcing elsewhere to suggest that Cumberbatch is in negotiations on some level, and if the role is indeed a small one then maybe it can fit into his busy schedule.
It also appears that some portion of the film may be shot in Las Cruces, New Mexico, even though the vast majority will shoot in London. Perhaps a return to Tatooine is in order?
