You'd think a movie as highly anticipated as Star Wars: Episode VII would have more official announcements than just a director and release date by now, but that hasn't been the case. Between the constant casting rumors involving just about every actor currently making it big in Hollywood, to the many rumored plot points and returning characters, it's hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to this film. Well fortunately there's finally a bit of news that'll break that streak, as Girl's star Adam Driver is reportedly set to sign on as the film's primary antagonist.
The news comes courtesy of The Wrap who report that Driver is reaching final negotiations to sign on as the film's villain. This makes Driver the first official cast member of J.J. Abrams' upcoming seventh installment to the Star Wars franchise, although it's been long rumored for a while that the original cast (Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Billy Dee Williams) have signed on as well, but they have yet to make that official. Driver, who has been making a name for himself on the HBO series Girls, may be remembered by many from a few months back when he was rumored to star as Dick Grayson/Nightwing in the upcoming Batman Vs. Superman film.
Following the rumors that he was up for the part, Driver was quick to deny that he was up to play Nightwing. But as it would turn out, Driver was in fact up for a part in Batman Vs. Superman, though it wasn't for that of the former Batman sidekick. Apparently he was in fact being considered by Zack Snyder for the part of Lex Luthor, a part which has since been nabbed by Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network). But in The Wrap's report, the mention that Driver decided to turn down the part, due to his chances of starring as the villain of Episode VII. The specifics of the role Driver will be taking still remain unknown, although the character is being described as very similar to Darth Vader himself.
Most recently, there have been several new rumors surrounding Episode VII, but only few are actually of note. First, it's been reported that through recent rewrites by Lawrence Kasdan and J.J. Abrams of Michael Arndt's original script, there have been many important changes made to the film's plot. While it's been confirmed and denied that the film will be based on the already established expanded Star Wars universe, MarketSaw's has revealed that the film will in fact focus on a pair own twins, as has long been rumored. One of these twins will apparently lead a path to the dark side, while the other will follow in their father's footstep. Although this sounds very similar to the story arc of Jacen and Jaina Solo, the source is quick to affirm that these character's may not be included in the film anymore following the rewrites.
The site goes on to explain that the recent changes to the script have made the original cast more of the central focus of this film, and following Episode VII the series will transition it's focus to the younger generation of Skywalkers. While it's still unknown what actor will be portraying this younger generation of Jedi, it's recently been reported that actors such as Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad) and Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age of Extinction) had both met with Abrams for a possible role in the film. And lastly, they also mention that Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek Into Darkness) and Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight Rises), who will both reportedly be involved with the film despite originally competing for the same part.
So what do you think of Adam Driver playing the villain of Episode VII? What other actors and actresses would you like to see cast in the film? Let us know below!
