Jesse-Plemons

With Girls star Adam Driver set to play the villain in J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars Episode VII, the hunt is now on for the heroic lead of the first instalment in the new trilogy. While exact details of the character are vague, it’s believed that the part is to be a Jedi apprentice. The original draft of the script focused on Han Solo and Princess Leia’s children, but they’ve now been put in supporting roles.

According to Variety, five names have now moved to the top of Disney’s list: Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey), John Boyega (Attack the Block), Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad), and theatre actors Matthew James Thomas and Ray Fisher.

The search is still ongoing, but these are the favourites as of right now. The site goes on to add that sources have indicated that Abrams is keen on casting a non-Caucasian lead, hence why he was meeting with the likes of David Oyewolo and Michael B. Jordan tested early on.

Production on Star Wars Episode VII begins in London later this year. Who do you think would be the best choice?