The newly revived Star Wars franchise is going in a lot of different directions thanks to becoming yet another arm of The Walt Disney Company, and its first spinoff has just cast its lead actress. 

Felicity Jones, known for her roles in The Theory of Everything, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Like Crazy, has been picked as the lead for the as of yet untitled Star Wars spinoff directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Monsters). According to Variety, Jones was one of several actresses, including Tatiana Maslany and Rooney Mara, to be considered.

This is one of two known spinoffs to the venerable space-faring franchise; the other is being directed by Chronicle director Josh Trank. Plot details are scarce, but speculation says that these spinoffs will focus on the younger days of Princess Leia and Han Solo, but only time will tell. The first spinoff will hit theaters on December 16, 2016. 

[Source]

– Dylan “CineMasai” Green