Star Wars 7 Casting News, Rumors: 5 actors reportedly up for lead Jedi apprentice role for J.J. Abrams' 'Episode VII'

According to Variety, J.J. Abrams is eyeing five actors for the lead role in 2015's Star Wars: Episode VII. This young star will lead the rebooted franchise as the main Jedi apprentice like Luke and Anakin Skywalker from the previous trilogies.

The short list of actors includes Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey),

John Boyega (Attack the Block), Jesse Plemons (Friday Night Lights and Breaking Bad), Matthew James Thomas (theater actor who appeared in Billy Elliot and About A Boy), and Ray Fisher (another theater actor). This

Variety reports:

Exact details of the character are vague but the part is believed to be a Jedi apprentice. The original draft by Michael Arndt was said to focus on Han Solo and Princess Leia's kids, however, Abrams and Kasdan's recent rewrite reportedly puts their offspring in a supporting role. Sources also indicate the reason for the delay has to do whether execs and creatives want someone of a different ethnicity from the previous Caucasian leads. Abrams has said on numerous occasions that he wants to have a diversified cast, which is why actors like David Oyewolo and Michael B. Jordan tested early on. As previously reported, Abrams is expected to surround the less-familiar actor with more recognizable stars for supporting parts, including original "Star Wars" cast members Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill.

Previous reports on the role of the villain in Episode VII claimed Adam Driver of HBO's Girls landed the part. On top of the news of the five actors eyed for the lead, it looks like we should expect a young cast of relatively unknown stars.