Crystal Clarke has joined the cast of “Star Wars Episode VII,” the production announced yesterday. The actress, who has both stage and screen credits, is one of 2 selected from an international casting call that took place towards the end of last year, spanning 11 cities across the US and UK, which was attended by over 37,000 hopefuls.
Clarke will soon be seen in her first feature, “The Moon and the Sun” (to be released in 2015), which stars Pierce Brosnan and William Hurt, in an action/adventure/fantasy tale that follows Louis XIV’s quest for immortality, which leads him to capture and steal a mermaid’s life force.
“The Star Wars universe has always been about discovering and nurturing young talent and in casting Episode VII we wanted to remain absolutely faithful to this tradition. We are delighted that so many travelled to see us at the open casting calls and that we have been able to make Crystal and Pip a part of the film,” said producer and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.
Principal photography continues at Pinewood Studios in London, under J.J. Abrams’ direction, after wrapping on location in Abu Dhabi in May. Shooting is set to wrap in the fall. The film is scheduled for release on December 18, 2015.
With John Boyega, Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo’s rumored involvement (and all possibly in key roles), and now Crystal Clarke’s casting (although we don’t know what role she’s been assigned) this could be the *blackest* “Star Wars” installment ever.
I should note that, earlier this year, it was reported that a then ongoing “extended casting search” would lead to the selection of an actress for what was described as a “major role” of a “young black or mixed-race woman who may be a descendant of Jedi Knight Ben Kenobi, and who would cross paths with the children of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.” Crystal Clarke may very well be the young actress cast for that part.
Source: Shadow & Act
