Longtime J.J. Abrams collaborator and Felicity alum Keri Russell is in early talks to join Star Wars Episode IX according to Variety.
This news will no doubt bring with it an absolute onslaught of conjecture as to Russell’s role. The only substantial detail we have is that it “calls for action-heavy fight scenes.”
Russell has previously worked with Abrams on Felicity and Mission: Impossible III, his directorial debut.
Since then, Russell has worked other action-heavy roles like FX’s The Americans and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
The Star Wars franchise has always been light on “dark-side” casting, so smart speculation would point toward Russell joining the light. Perhaps as one of General Leia Organa’s allies mentioned in The Last Jedi?
In any case, Abrams will also be casting two more actors by the end of July. Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver are all expected to return.
The yet-untitled Star Wars Episode IX is expected to release in 2019 and will see Abrams back at the helm, taking over Colin Trevorrow. Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver are expected to return.