Variety, one of the oldest trade papers in Hollywood, is reporting that Adam Driver, a 30 year old supporting player on HBO’s “Girls” is in the final stages of becoming the villain for the next installment of “Star Wars.” I enjoyed his performance as Al Cody quite a bit in the Coen Brothers’ recent “Inside Llewyn Davis” and he was a competent Sam Beckwith in Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln.”
Though Variety is an incredibly reliable source, it’s important to remember that this is still unconfirmed. No official casting announcements have been made from Disney or Lucasfilm, but that can change at any moment. As we get closer to shooting, expect these rumors and small leaks to increase in size.
From the Variety piece:
Sources tell Variety that while no deal is done yet, the “Girls” actor is close to signing on to play the villain in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Wars: Episode VII.” Exact details are unknown, but the character is said to be in the vein of iconic “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader.
Driver, 30, is the first cast member to be revealed for Walt Disney Studios and LucasFilm’s highly-anticipated “Star Wars” installment, which will open in theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.
“In the vein of Darth Vader” sounds like it could mean a lot of things. He could be a masked bad guy. He could be a Sith Lord. He could be a tragic figure in the Skywalker family.
Anything is possible and we know nothing for sure.
“Star Wars: Episode VII” comes out December 18, 2015.