'Star Wars: Rogue One' is an upcoming science-fiction action-adventure film intended as a spin-off to the original series. Rooney Mara was almost cast as Lyra Erso but the role went to Felicity Jones instead. Classic characters like Darth Vader and Han Solo may appear on the new film.
According to Cinema Blend, the first ever spin-off film in Lucasfilm and Disney's popular 'Star Wars' franchise was set to have Academy Award-nominee Rooney Mara at some point but they cast Felicity Jones of instead. The role is reportedly a character named Lyra Erso.
Mara revealed that although she wasn't officially in negotiations for a part in the spin-off, she had to move on from the possibility of getting involved. She said, "I met with the director (Gareth Edwards) and I really liked him but then I didn't end up reading for it. I was working, and it wasn't the right thing for me, so I decided not to read for it. I was on a film. I was working six day weeks and it was just, like, it wasn't going to be possible."
The 30-year old American actress is best known for her lead role in David Fincher's critically-acclaimed 'Girl With A Dragon Tattoo', where she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress as well as a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress In A Motion Picture - Drama. She also starred in Todd Hayne's 'Carol' alongside Cate Blanchett, where she won the Best Actress Award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
According to another article by HNGN, the studio would not have made changes to the film's production schedule just to accommodate Mara's. The actress previously admitted that when she chose roles, the film's director had to be taken into consideration. Although she liked Edwards, her busy schedule kept her from getting involved in the new project.
The upcoming film will be the first in the planned 'Star Wars Anthology' of spin-off films set in the same universe. It will follow a group of resistance fighters on a mission to steal the plans for the Empire's new weapon, the Death Star, capable of destroying planets. The film is set in between 'Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith' and 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope'.
According to Melty, several classic characters may make it on the new film. Iconic villain Darth Vader may appear on the film and he will reportedly be angrier and more sinister than ever. Mysterious bounty hunter Boba Fett may also make an appearance. The young Han Solo could also be introduced in the film through a small cameo.
'Star Wars: Rogue One' is an upcoming film in the new 'Star Wars Anthology' of standalone films set in the same cinematic universe. It is directed by Gareth Edwards based on the screenplay by Chris Weitz. It stars Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, Donnie Yen and Alan Tudyk and is scheduled to be released on December 16, 2016.
