Tatiana Maslany, Olivia Cooke, And Gina Rodriguez On Shortlist For Rian Johnson's 'Star Wars: Episode VIII'

A galaxy far, far away is perhaps no longer just the domain of mainly white male heroes, and one has to credit the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” creative principals for creating a narrative that features a female and Black British as part of the trio of new lead characters. If better representation of diversity and gender equality is already rearing its head in the 'Force Awakens,' the positive trends appears to be continuing in adjunct and sequels. “Star Wars: Rogue One” already features a female lead (Felicity Jones) and it appears the rumors about another strong new female joining the new trilogy appears to be true.

The Wrap reports that three actresses are testing for the female lead character in “Star Wars: Episode VIII,” the still-untitled sequel to ‘The Force Awakens’ that Rian Johnson is directing. While it’s all early days of contention, the trade reports Tatiana Maslany (“Orphan Black”), Gina Rodriguez (“Jane The Virgin”) and Olivia Cooke (“Me And Earl And The Dying...