‘Star Wars: Episode VII’: Facts about the new cast

MANILA, Philippines – Now that the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII has been officially announced, we’re all curious about the new actors joining the ranks of iconic names such as Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Harrison Ford (Han Solo) and more.

The Hollywood Reporter has said that Adam Driver will reportedly be playing the villain in the new film. However, the rest of the roles remain a mystery. Here’s some info on the new kids on set:

1.   John Boyega

This 22-year-old British actor first appeared on film as gang leader Moses in the action/monster 2011 flick, Attack the Block. He also starred in the 2013 television film, British drama The Whale.

2.   Daisy Ridley

Also a Brit, Daisy Ridley has appeared on television series Mr. Selfridge and Silent Witness. Ridley is the only new female cast member that has been announced.

3.   Adam Driver

Reportedly to play the unnamed villain in Episode VII, Adam Driver is best known for his recurring role as Lena Dunham’s boyfriend on the HBO series Girls. He also starred as Al Cody in the Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis, a 2013 American comedy loosely based on the autobiography of 1950’s folk singer Dave Van Ronk.

You can still catch Adam on Girls via HBO GO. 

4.   Oscar Isaac

Another Inside Llewyn Davis alum, Oscar Isaac played the film’s eponymous struggling folk singer. The 35-year-old Guatemalan-American actor graduated from the prestigious Julliard School in 2005 with a degree in Drama. You’ll also see him in the upcoming crime drama directed by J.C. Chandor entitled A Most Violent Year. 

5.   Andy Serkis

Talk about a clash of worlds—Andy Serkis is the actor who brought The Lord of the Rings character Gollum to life. He also played the role of Caesar, the intelligent ape from the 2011 blockbuster, Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

6.   Domhnall Gleeson

The 30-year-old hunk played Bill Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2. He also starred in the 2013 Richard Curtis charmer, About Time, alongside Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy.

7.   Max von Sydow

This veteran boasts of a lengthy resume, having starred in films like The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Exorcist, Robin Hood, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and more. He is 85 years old and has been acting since 1949.

So far, the new cast seems like a promising bunch, but only time will tell if they’ll become legendary names among the franchise’s massive fanbase.

Given early indications though, it’ll be amazing. Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the original movies, recently tweeted his support for the new cast: 

UK table read- I was knocked out by the diverse & extraordinarily talented new cast members. WOW they’re good! The saga is in superb hands.

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) May 1, 2014

Star Wars: Episode VII is set to be released in December 2015. The new installment is being directed by J.J. Abrams. The screenplay was written by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan. –Rappler.com