Given all the casting speculation around the next Star Wars movie, which will be directed by J.J. Abrams, this might prove to be the most *colorful* film (in terms of the diversity of actors hired to play roles) in the franchise yet. Although Abrams did publicly state his desire to have the film’s cast be diverse, as well as relative *unknowns*.

From John Boyega, to Dayo Okeniyi, to Lupita Nyong’o and now newcomer British actress Maisie Richardson-Sellers, who The Hollywood Reporter says is in line to “nab an undisclosed and possibly major role in the high-profile Disney/Lucasfilm production,” adding that “one of the roles yet to be filled is that of a young black or mixed-race woman who may be a descendant of Jedi Knight Ben Kenobi. In the film, which takes place 30 years after the events of 1983’s Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, the character would cross paths with the children of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.“

Naturally the studio hasn’t confirmed or denied this report, but industry buzz is heavy around the young British actress.

THR also reports that an “extended casting search” is under way in London ahead of the start of shooting next month.

Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carries Fisher have all been open about their returns to the franchise as Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia respectively.

Peter Mayhew is also expected to return as Chewbacca.

Little is known about Maisie Richardson-Sellers. She has no feature film credits on her IMDB page, with only 1 short film, titled Our First World, listed. Further research revealed that she also has stage credits.

It could very well be that this is the role that Lupita met with J.J. Abrams to discuss. Recall, last month, when she shared publicly that she was being eyed for “a high-profile Hollywood studio project,” but didn’t give any further details on at the time (except to say that she’ll be “listening to her gut” before making any final decisions). It was later reported that she had indeed met with J.J. Abrams for a role in Star Wars: Episode VII. I’m speculating that, given the description of the role above, and the likelihood that there won’t be more than one or 2 black characters in the film (if there are more, I’d be pleasantly surprised), this role that Richardson-Sellers is now being reportedly in the running for, is what Lupita met with Abrams for.