'Star Wars' Spin Off Movie 2016 Cast: Felicity Jones Gets Lead Role

Production is still hush-hush for Lucasfilm and Disney's mysterious stand-alone "Stars Wars" spinoff, but it has recently been confirmed that Oscar-nominated actress Felicity Jones has been offered the role of the film's female lead, Hollywood Reporter claimed.

The exclusive report revealed that the "The Theory of Everything" actress is said to be in final talks with the studios, which will be helmed by "Godzilla" director Gareth Edwards. The script will be written by Chris Weitz, who reportedly joined the team just last week and replaced Gary Whitta, who wrote the first draft for the film.

Aside from Jones, the studios are said to be meeting with other actresses and undergoing reading and screening tests in Los Angeles and London since last week. Some stars that they met were "Orphan Black" actress Tatiana Maslany and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" star Rooney Mara, The Hollywood Reporter added.

Other names that were linked to the project were "Breaking Bad" star Aaron Paul and "Deliver Us From Evil" actor Edgar Ramirez, who are said to be on the shortlist of contenders for the main male lead opposite Jones. Paul, in particular, is rumored to possibly play a younger version of Han Solo in the upcoming film, according to Screen Rant.

As for the plot, Disney CEO Bob Iger previously stated, in an interview with CNBC, that the spinoff will focus on "great 'Star Wars' characters that are not part of the overall saga."

Screenrant also cited some rumors which also claimed that the story will revolve around the plans for the original Death Star, which bounty hunters were recruited to try and steal. The female lead was also rumored to be Sabine, the Mandalorian-armored, artistic warrior that fans could remember from the animated television show "Star Wars Rebels."

Disney has so far declined to comment on any news and rumors, but the studios have set a release date for the secretive project which will be on Dec. 16, 2016. It will follow the release date of "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens," which is scheduled to hit theaters on Dec. 18, 2015, Screenrant added.

Director Edwards' film is so far one of the two known "Star Wars" spinoffs that are being developed by Disney and Lucasfilm, with "Chronicle" director Josh Trank helming the the other film, according to Variety.

Not only that, but Iger has also shared that the studios have plans for "Star Wars" episodes eight and nine which have tentatively been set for release date on 2017 and 2019 respectively.

"I can assure the millions of 'Star Wars' fans who have spent the last decade hoping for a new movie, this one with be worth the wait," Iger was quoted by Variety as saying.

He added, "And it's only the beginning of a new era of exceptional 'Star Wars' storytelling."