We’ve all endured countless Star Wars Episode VII rumours over the past year or so, but we now finally have what could arguably be considered the first legitimate piece of casting news. According to The Wrap, The Master and Breaking Bad star Jesse Plemons is in contention for a leading role in the highly anticipated movie from Star Trek Into Darkness director J.J. Abrams.

The site goes on to add that the actor has already impressed those involved with the casting process in his first audition and will meet with Abrams next week for a second reading which could potentially lead to him joining the movie in one of the lead roles (which is still unknown, although his resemblance to Mark Hamill is hard to miss).

They go on to add that two well place sources within major agencies have told them that Plemons is a favourite to land a part in Star Wars Episode VII, while a third source confirms that he’s in the running and is a serious contender. The 25-year-old actor has also appeared in Battleship, and recently wrapped up work on Stephen Frears’ untitled Lance Armstrong biopic.

No one has officially been cast in the movie as of yet, but if this all works out, we could hear some definite news sooner rather than later.

Star Wars Episode VII is set to be released on December 18th, 2015.