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Star Wars VII Cast: Who Will They Play?

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It’s official - the ‘Star Wars VII’ cast has finally been revealed! Now we take a look at exactly who’s heading to the galaxy far, far away… and which roles they might have landed.

After months of speculation, it looks as though we finally get our first glimpse of the new ‘Star Wars’ cast. And I can’t help thinking that ‘Episode VII’ is already shaping up to be an absolute masterpiece.

Joining Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill on set, the all-new cast features greats such as Max Von Sydow and Andy Serkis alongside some relative newcomers in a move that’s reminiscent of the original trilogy.

"Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film."

But who will these ‘Star Wars’ newbies play? Let’s take a closer look…

John Boyega
Perhaps best known for his appearance in the British sci-fi flick ‘Attack the Block’, 22-year-old John Boyega is now one of Hollywood’s most famous up and coming actors. But could he be an up and coming Jedi?

It’s no secret that Abrams favours relatively unknown actors for major roles in his movies. And while Boyega isn’t exactly a nobody, he’s not a Hollywood A-Lister either. And let’s face it, even Billy Dee Williams himself wants to see Lando with a Jedi son. Wish granted?

Oscar Isaac
Although Oscar Isaac was only rumoured for a ‘Star Wars’ role since the early hours of this morning, it looks as though he’s already turned a few heads when it comes to his big-screen appearances. Known for ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’, I can’t help thinking Isaac could also be up for a Jedi role… perhaps as one of the Solo children.

Whether or not that turns out to be Jacen Solo as in the Expanded Universe remains to be seen. And with the potential to take ‘Star Wars VII’ in a very different direction, we could end up with some very different Solo siblings. But what about his sister?

Daisy Ridley
After appearing in the likes of BBC’s ‘Casualty’ and ‘Silent Witness’, it’s safe to say that Daisy Ridley was a complete unknown when it comes to Hollywood. And after landing the coveted ‘Star Wars VII’ role, all that is about to change. But could she end up as another of the Solo children?

It’s clear that she bears a passing resemblance to everyone’s favourite Rebel princess, Leia Organa. At least, she would with her hair in buns… But I can’t help thinking that Daisy and Oscar Isaac would look great together as Jacen and Jaina Solo (or their non-EU equivalent). And perhaps that’s the point. (Just as a side note, she already looks rather comfortable in that script read-through, nestled between Han Solo and Princess Leia…)

Adam Driver
Since those first rumours of his involvement with ‘Star Wars VII’, 30-year-old Adam Driver has been linked to a rather more villainous role. Assumed to be the main villain of ‘Star Wars VII’, his character is said to be “in the same vein as Darth Vader”. But will he get an outfit that’s anywhere near as iconic?

I can’t help thinking that those rumours are right on the money… and many assumed that he might even take the role of a Dark Side Jacen Solo. Whether or not this happens remains to be seen. But he certainly has the look of the Sith about him.

Domhnall Gleeson
Known for the role of Bill Weasley in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’, it looks as though 30-year-old Domhnall Gleeson has jumped franchises for a presumably larger role in the ‘Star Wars’ universe. And is it just me, or could he end up as a descendent of Obi-Wan Kenobi?

He certainly has that prequel-era Kenobi look… especially with unkempt barnet and some of that trademark Jedi facial hair. And let’s not mince our words here - he is a bit of a ginger. Of course, Kenobi has already been dead for quite some years by the time ‘Episode VII’ comes around. But it’s certainly not impossible.

Andy Serkis
Fans of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ will instantly recognise Andy Serkis… even if he doesn’t usually look himself on screen. Appearing in the upcoming ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ it’s easy to see how Serkis’ immeasurable mo-cap talents could be put to good use in the ‘Star Wars’ universe. But could he be in line for a more traditional acting role?

I’d certainly love to see the man himself on screen… and I can’t help thinking he’d make a fantastic villain. In fact, I rather fancy his chances as the Sith master to Adam Driver’s apprentice. That is, until Driver cuts him down with a flurry of bright-red lightsaber moves.

Max Von Sydow
A legendary figure amongst sci-fi fans, Max Von Sydow is perhaps best known for ‘The Exorcist’… but also appeared in the cult movie ‘Flash Gordon’ as well as ‘Minority Report’ and any number of fantastic Hollywood films. But what kind of role will he end up with in ‘Star Wars VII’?

Although the temptation is to peg him as a high-ranking Imperial officer, I’d personally rather see him in a more heroic role. His characterisation of Chief Justice Fargo in the 1995 ‘Judge Dredd’ was simply brilliant. And I’d love to see him take a similar role in ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’. At least, in terms of an ageing mentor passing wisdom to his young apprentice before shuffling off to be one with the Force.

Of course, while we finally get our first glimpse at the ‘Star Wars VII’ cast, it looks as though we might have a long wait ahead before finding out exactly who each of them is playing.

Will Lando get the Jedi son he always wanted? Will the Solo twins finally make their big-screen debut? For now, we’ll just have to wait and see.

What do you think of the ‘Star Wars VII’ cast? Who do you think each of them will be playing? Let us know in the comments below…