Star Wars fans might have felt a ripple in the Force on Friday—but fear not, it is not an ominous disturbance. J.J. Abrams, who took over Star Wars: Episode IX after Colin Trevorrows exit, is thinking about adding a new cast member: Keri Russell.
As Variety notes, Abrams and Russell go way back: Abrams co-created Felicity, which gave the actress her break-out starring role. The two also collaborated on Mission: Impossible III. So far, its unclear whether Russells character will work for the First Order or the Resistance, as Laura Dern did in The Last Jedi as the lilac-maned Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo. Either way, Variety reports that Abrams will likely add two more actors to the films call sheet before the start of production later this month, while stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver are all expected to return as well.
Abrams, who directed the new trilogys first installment, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, took over direction of Episode IX after Trevorrow departed due to creative differences. Abramss decision to cast Russell will likely not come as a complete surprise to Abrams fans, who might have noticed the director likes to re-use actors across many projects. And ever since The Americans ended in May, fans have been wondering what Russell might do next; her co-star (and husband), Matthew Rhys, will next star in Mowgli, which debuts this October, as well as The Torture Report, which is in post-production, and the upcoming British TV drama Death and Nightingales.
As always, details are relatively scarce regarding what fans should expect from Episode IX, the final installment in the new Skywalker trilogy. Possible plot threads include finding out more about Reys parents, the ongoing war between the First Order and the Resistance, and explaining the absence of Princess Leia following Carrie Fishers death. (Lucasfilm has already said it does not plan to use a C.G.I. likeness of Fisher, as it briefly did before her death in Rogue One.) Theres also the matter of whether or not Luke will come back, after his appearance at the end of The Last Jedi revealed him to be a Force ghost, as his corporeal form vanished, leaving only his robe behind. Unfortunately, fans still have a very long wait ahead of them before any of these questions will likely be answered: the film is set for wide release on December 20, 2019.
Get Vanity Fairs HWD NewsletterSign up for essential industry and award news from Hollywood.Laura BradleyLaura Bradley is a Hollywood writer for VanityFair.com.
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