[RUMOR] Star Wars Episode VIII Could Have Two Female Leads

Star Wars Episode VIII might have two female leads according to a report from Latino-Review.

“We’ve heard that it is not one role, but TWO female roles, both substantial, that share the same shortlist,” explain Latino-Review.

“Not only that, but we can report there’s a fourth name on that short list that wasn’t reported and an important one: British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Apparently she’s had an audition and everything.”

Mbatha-Raw received a litany of awards and nominations for her performances in period drama Belle and romantic drama, Beyond the Lights, while she also made a fleeting appearance in the Wachowski’s sci-fi drama, Jupiter Ascending. The 32-year old is reportedly competing against Tatiana Maslany, Olivia Cooke, and Gina Rodriguez for one of the female roles. Star Wars Episode VIII is set to be written and directed by Rian Johnson, who wrote and directed sci-fi thriller Looper, and directed what was arguably Breaking Bad’s best episode, ‘Ozymandias’.

Star Wars Episode VII is due out this December, with JJ Abrams’ film set to mark the first in the franchise for over a decade. And, as if that wasn’t enough, Star Wars Battlefront is due out this November, with an open beta coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on October 8th.