#StarWars: British Newcomer Bel Powley Eyed For Key Role In “Episode VIII”?

Whether or not you’ve seen J.J. Abrams‘ “Star Wars: The Force Awakens“, you’d know that Daisy Ridley plays a pivotal role in the highly anticipated space opera.

The British actress was relatively unknown before she was cast as a lonely scavenger called Rey in the film. Of course, that changed after the movie became a global phenomenon. The success of the film even propelled her to global fame.

Now, it seems like Disney and Lucasfilm are looking to cast another young British actress in the next instalment of the “Star Wars” film series. A new rumour is now suggesting that “Diary of a Teenager Star” breakout star Bel Powley could star in a key role in “Star Wars: Episode VIII”.

/FILM noted that the rumour “isn’t a full trade scoop” and it was delivered by TheWrap reporter Jeff Sneider on the latest episode of Meet the Movie Press.

Back in October 2014, it was initially rumoured that Gugu Mbatha-Raw (of “Jupiter Ascending” and “Beyond the Lights” fame) landed a key role in the 8th “Star Wars” film. It was said that director Rian Johnson personally wanted Mbatha-Raw for the role, but Variety reporter Justin Kroll told Sneider on Twitter that the actresss was no longer attached to star in it.

The force, it seems, is strong with Powley as she was tipped for the key role. It is also worth mentioning that several actresses including “Orphan Black” star Tatiana Maslany, Gina Rodriguez (of “Jane the Virgin” fame), and Olivia Cooke (of “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” fame) were shortlisted for the mystery role as well.

But at this point, it’s still a piece of rumour and anything can change. Thus, it’s best to take it with a grain of salt.

Powley rose to prominence through her role in “The Diary of A Teenage Girl”, which received positive responses from critics last year at the Sundance Film Festival. She is also known for playing Daisy Millar in CBBC espionage series “M.I. High”.

If Powley is indeed going to play a key role in “Star Wars: Episode VIII”, she will star alongside “Guardians of the Galaxy” star Benicio Del Toro, who has been eyed to play a villain.

Slated for release on 26th May 2017, the 8th “Star Wars” film will be produced by Ram Bergman and Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy. The story is expected to follow both J.J. Abrams’ “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and the first “anthology” film titled “Rogue One”.

Sources: Screen Rant, /FILM.