Lupita in 'Star Wars' Sequel: Nyong'o Met With JJ Abrams, Should She Be the Lead?
Lupita Nyong'o could be in the next "Star Wars" sequel, tentatively titled "Episode VII," according to the latest reports. The 31-year-old actress already won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "12 Years A Slave," and fans and Hollywood are eagerly anticipating her next major feature.
Lupita Nyong'o met with "Star Trek: Into The Darkness" director J.J. Abrams to discuss a future role in the latest episode of the classic interstellar sci-fi series, The Hollywood Reporter revealed Friday. She could potentially play the role of the offspring of Obi-Wan Kenobi and an unknown mother, it was reported.
"Star Wars: Episode VII," which is slated to be released Dec. 18, 2015, also has actors vying for the main role: Jesse Plemons, Ed Speleers, John Boyega, Matthew James Thomas and Ray Fisher are all possible leads for Abrams, Variety reported.
Other actors also have the potential to appear in the film in other capacities. Adam Driver of "Girls" could play another iteration of Darth Vader, but he is also apparently competing against Benedict Cumberbatch, Gary Oldman, Michael Fassbender, Alex Pettyfer, Saoirse Ronan and Michael B. Jordan, according to reports.
Still, some are far more excited for Nyong'o to serve in a larger role than a forgettable supporting character. Even though the Mexican-born actress has appeared in another role since "12 Years A Slave"— she was featured in Liam Neeson thriller "Non-Stop" in a small role— some are advocating for her to take the lead in Star Wars.
"The new Star Wars movie would be better served with Nyong'o as the star," wrote Forbes' Alex Knapp. "I like a lot of the people rumored to be in contention for the lead role of the next Star Wars. But none of them, in my opinion, are as talented as Nyong'o."
