Oscar-nominee Felicity Jones will star in the first Star Wars stand-alone film, which is being directed by Godzilla’s Gareth Edwards.

Loading

Felicity Jones

Loading

We first heard that Jones was up for the part a couple of weeks ago when word leaked that The Theory of Everything actress was in the running for the role along with Kate Mara, Rooney Mara and Tatiana Maslany The Hollywood Reporter and Variety confirmed Jones’ casting today, with THR saying that the actress landed the role after a series of “hush-hush readings and tests.” Edwards is directing from a script by Gary Whitta, who wrote the first draft, and Chris Weitz, who just came on the project last week.It is unclear who Jones will play or what the film will be about, though rumors have indicated that the picture may be about a group of bounty hunters who undertake a heist of some kind.Additionally, THR says that Aaron Paul and Edgar Ramirez are on the “interest list” for the male lead in the film.Gareth Edwards’ stand-alone Star Wars film will be released on Dec. 16, 2016.

Talk to Senior Editor Scott Collura on Twitter at, on IGN atand on