Like they've done with the Marvel Universe, Disney isn't content relying on established stars to lead their Star Wars franchise. Instead an opportunity has been given to numerous actors those in who follow this stuff everyday are familiar with, like John Boyega, Domhnall Gleeson, Adam Driver, and more, but may not be household names to more casual audiences. Now another rising star is being given a shot to head to a galaxy far far away.
The Wrap reports that Riz Ahmed is in talks to join Star Wars: Rogue One, which we know will star Felicity Jones and possibly Ben Mendelsohn. Meanwhile, The Hunger Games' Sam Claflin is also being eyed for a role. Ahmed is a multi-time British Independent Film Award nominee for his performances in Shifty, Four Lions, and Ill Manors. He was also terrific in the little-seen drama The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and had his highest-profile role to date in Nightcrawler opposite Jake Gyllenhaal.
As for Mendelsohn, the chatter around his casting has really picked up. The Wrap says he's in, while Mendelsohn recently refused to make any such confirmation. There's not a lot of time before filming begins so expect answers soon, and check out a teaser for it here.
