Today in “Star Wars Rumors that Will Inevitable Spur Debate Based on Characters We Don’t Know”, the talented Saoirse Ronan may have the Force with her. According to Latino Review and independently supported by Bleeding Cool, Ronan has reportedly gone in to read for a lead role in Star Wars: Episode VII, and possibly “the lead role” in the upcoming sequel. Bleeding Cool notes that this isn’t a done deal, and there are other actresses with recognizable names who could get the part instead. Whether she gets the lead or a supporting role, I’m a fan of Ronan, and hopefully either female role is a good chance for her to break from her recent “Depressed Teen Looking for a Home” characters.

Hit the jump for more details on the rumor regarding Benedict Cumberbatch being in the sequel trilogy.

A few weeks ago, it was reported that Benedict Cumberbatch was pretty much a lock for Star Wars: Episode VII, and an official announcement was imminent. It’s been seventeen days since that report, and we’re still waiting. Latino Review is holding fast to their story, and that denials out of Cumberbatch’s camp are lies. Filthy, filthy lies. Furthermore, LR is saying that his part in Episode VII is small, but it will be much larger in Star Wars: Episode VIII and Star Wars: Episode IX.

If you’re having trouble believing these casting stories (and I share your skepticism), then perhaps something smaller like location filming will be more to your liking. Latino Review is also reporting that while 90% of the movie will be shot in London, there will be a little filming in Las Cruces, New Mexico. If that’s true, then let the speculation begin about returning to Tatooine.