Here are the three women who may become the next lead in 'Star Wars Episode VIII'
After all the hoopla surrounding the new golden trio in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, we were honestly a little confused why its sequel, the unnamed Star Wars Episode VIII, would need a new lead character. But when we heard it would be a female character, and that Tatiana Maslany's name was in the running, we shut right up.
The Wrap reports that Disney has narrowed down the contenders for Rian Johnson's follow-up Star Wars film to three actresses -- and that Benicio del Toro will be starring as the villain. Can you imagine?? Tatiana Maslany squaring off against del Toro??? OK, we're calm.
Because honestly, all three of these actresses are pretty amazing and have some geek cred of their own. Here's some info on who could be wielding a blaster or lightsaber or witty banter with John Boyega.
Tatiana Maslany
If you didn't notice already, we're kind of particular to Maslany. She's proved her acting chops 11 times over in the BBC sci-fi show Orphan Black (literally, she's played 11 characters), and has more than enough screen presence to go toe-to-toe with a villainous del Toro, or to play love interest to Finn (according to The Wrap, the actresses are going through a chemistry read with John Boyega). She was also apparently in the running for the Star Wars spinoff Rogue One, but lost out to Felicity Jones.
Yes, we're grateful to the fact that she finally got that Emmy nomination, but we want to see Tatiana make it to the big leagues.
Olivia Cooke
Rescue Olivia Cooke from Bates Motel and give her a shot at blockbuster superstardom.
She proved her talent in the indie comedy Me and Earl and the Dying Girl as the titular dying girl and she's definitely got a unique, wide-eyed look that sets her apart from her other two competitors. Plus at 21, she's the youngest of the group and has the most to prove. But she's also in the running to play the lead in the upcoming adaptation of Ready Player One, so that may split her decision.
Gina Rodriguez
OK, so Gina Rodriguez has almost no sci-fi cred, but she's an adorable dork in real life, and that counts right?
The Golden Globe-winning actress and breakout star of Jane the Virgin is kind of a left-field choice, with most of her strengths veering toward comedy, but that might lighten up the mood in the maybe-serious, probably-grim Star Wars movies. It would kind of be awesome to see her running around with a blaster while that telenovela narrator from Jane the Virgin narrates her every move, we're not going to lie.
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