Category: sequel trilogy

Benedict Cumberbatch was asked about the Episode VII casting rumor at the Toronto International Film Festival, The Toronto Sun reports. Of course, “no offers have been made,” is vague enough that the rumor isn’t quite dead yet… But even if you don’t believe this doesn’t mean he’s not in talks, expect to hear confirmation of “the regulars” before we get any new folks.

Meanwhile, here’s been some panty-twisting over a post that references other recent casting rumors in Lucasfilm’s invite-only forum Obi Wants To Know Me. I find it all a bit silly and I wouldn’t take it as anything other than ‘Lucasfilm knows there are rumors!’ but whatever. (But if there is any truth to said rumor, let’s hope it’s for Hurd-Wood’s sake.)

Jedi News is going old school, giving (one of?) their Episode VII source(s) a nickname: Jedi Master SQL. Today, SQL tells them that actress Ksenia Solo is being considered for a role, “potentially Solo playing the daughter of Han Solo.” Potentially: I don’t think they’re actually saying that that’s the specific role she’s up for.

Aside from a regular role as Kenzi on the Canadian supernatural drama Lost Girl, Solo has appeared on the TV show Life Unexpected and in the film Black Swan.

As always, remember: A rumor is just that! Nothing is official until Lucasfilm says so.

A spokesman for Benedict Cumberbatch told The New York Daily News that there’s “no truth” to the rumors that he’s been cast in Episode VII. “I think the rumors are circling because JJ and Benedict have just recently had a wonderful time working together on Star Trek.” If you want more reasoning, Bryan Young and our other pals at Full of Sith discussed the Cumberrumor on their latest podcast.

Take the denial as you will, but please feel free to quit it with the faux-castings of Thrawn and the tired “recasting” jokes at any point.

Latino Review is saying today that Rachel Hurd-Wood (Wendy in 2003’s Peter Pan) has read for the role of “the daughter of Princess Leia (and presumably Han Solo.)” They also say that Ryan Gosling has declined the role they reported earlier… But that Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike, I Am Number Four) is also “meeting,” possibly for the same role, which LR previously identified as Luke Skywalker’s son.

I have nothing against Hurd-Wood – she has the look, at least – but Pettyfer? Pass. Of course, even LR is hedging their bets on this one, so I wouldn’t go counting them in just yet.

They do, however, say that “major casting news” is coming very soon from Lucasfilm… Will we finally get some confirmation of Hamill, Ford and Fisher? Other returning actors? Or someone totally new?

Latino Review is claiming that principal photography for Episode VII will begin January 21 next year – which is right in line with the timeframe we’ve heard from various Lucasfilm, Disney and Bad Robot folks. They do, however, maintain that the movie’s release date will be pushed back to December 2015. Yet again, I’ll believe it when we hear it officially.