Casting unknowns in Star Wars: Episode VII has always been a possibility, and it may become a reality with Maisie Richardson-Sellers.
The actress has never appeared in a film before, but she has seemingly managed to rise above many established actors in J.J. Abrams’ casting search that has seen hundreds if not thousands of actors.
Two of The Hollywood Reporter’s sources say that while she is close to being cast, she has not yet been offered a role.
It sounds like Richardson-Sellers could fall right into a currently vacant role of “a young black or mixed-race woman who may be a descendent of Jedi Knight Ben [Obi-Wan] Kenobi.” The character would reportedly cross paths with the kids of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa.
Deadline had also chimed in that she was being considered. They originally said that they heard her role was not a lead role, but that part of their report is now gone, which we can infer as them hearing that it may be.
Though Richardson-Sellers has never appeared in a movie, she does have plenty of acting experience. She has appeared in stage plays including For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide, Mephisto, and There Will Be Red.
You can briefly see Richardson-Sellers at work in this following short film titled Music Wherever She Goes (thanks, CBM).
That doesn’t show much of Richardson-Sellers’ abilities that were able to push above more proven candidates, but it was great to see and hear her in action.