The Force Awakens isn’t even out in cinemas yet, but already we’re getting casting news for the eight instalment in the series, to be directed by Looper‘s Rian Johnson. With confirmation already in place that Benicio del Toro is starring, Collider are reporting that Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Jupiter Ascending, Touch, Beyond The Lights) is the latest name to be added to the cast.
This being Star Wars, actual information regarding her role is thin to the point of non-existent, but it’s a welcome piece of news nonetheless. A hefty chunk of the Force Awakens cast is filed with acclaimed young actors (like John Boyega, Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyongo’o, Oscar Isaac, Gwendoline Christie etc), and the choice of Mbatha-Raw, who has most recently garnered acclaim for her roles in Belle and Beyond The Lights, is indication that Disney looks set to continue with this approach.
Mbatha-Raw joins fellow new cast member del Toro, with Oscar Isaac and Mark Hamill so far the only other names 100 per cent confirmed to be returning for Episode VIII.
Star Wars: Episode VIII will be released in cinemas on 26 May 2017. Download the Star Wars: Original Trilogy Complete Manual from GreatDigitalMags now.
