An update on the ninth episode of Star Wars: Keri Russell, last seen as Elizabeth Jennings in the critically acclaimed FX series The Americans, is rumored to be playing an unnamed role in the film.
According to Variety, citing multiple sources, Russell is preparing to join the cast of Star Wars: Episode IX, to be directed by The Force Awakens helmer J.J. Abrams. If true, it wouldn't be the first time for Russell and Abrams worked together — the pair last collaborated on Mission: Impossible III in 2006.
Keri Russell Reportedly Cast In 'Star Wars: Episode IX'
The role, according to the report, requires action-heavy sequences. That's certainly no problem for Russell given her ability to perform some of the toughest stunts on The Americans, for which she earned an Emmy nomination in 2016 and 2017. Her stints on Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and the aforementioned Mission Impossible film prove that she's more than capable of brawling in front of the camera.
Lucasfilm and Abrams met with a bunch of other actresses before eventually choosing Russell right before the Fourth of July holiday. Variety says Abrams will likely cast two more actors by the time the film begins production at the end of the month. Daisy Ridley, who played Rey in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi; John Boyega, who played Finn; Oscar Isaac, who played Poe Dameron; and Adam Driver, who played Kylo Ren, are all expected to return.
Abrams became attached to the project after Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow exited over creative differences. Abrams was asked to direct the film last fall and has since been working on the script with Oscar-winning screenwriter Chris Terrio.
There's practically no information about Russell's character at the moment. It's not even clear if she'll be on the dark side, or whether she'll cross paths with Rey, Finn, or any of the new characters.
Will Princess Leia Be In 'Star Wars: Episode IX'?
Similarly, it's still not clear how Princess Leia will tie into the new episode. Many fans had speculated her character would pass away in The Last Jedi since the actress who played her, the legendary Carrie Fisher, passed away in 2016. Princess Leia was very much alive in The Last Jedi, however. As such, it will be intriguing how Abrams plans to carry her legacy in the upcoming film.
Thoughts about Star Wars: Episode IX? How do you think they'll handle Fisher's passing in real life? As always, if you have anything to share, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!