Adam Driver’s Career Takes a Turn With New “Star Wars” Role
George Huertas ‘15 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Despite his Inside Llewyn Davis character’s best wishes, Adam Driver may going off into outer space! Specifically, to a galaxy far, far away.
According to Variety, the Girls star is nearing a final deal to play the villain J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars Episode VII, described in the trade as being “in the vein of iconic Star Wars villain Darth Vader.”
If confirmed, this would be the first bit of major casting for the film, which has had rumors for almost every possible actor being connected to almost every possible role, with rumors linking everyone from Michael B. Jordan to Hugo Weaving to Saorsie Ronan to possible roles in the final project. Thus far, the only player confirmed to be returning by Lucasfilm is the series’ famous robot mascot, R2-D2.
The news continues to rise the profile of Driver, who last month was cast in a supporting role alongside Andrew Garfield in Martin Scorsese’s long-gestating passion project, Silence. Following his casting on Lena Dunham’s Girls, Driver’s career has had a steady upswing. All too quickly, Driver’s profile has gone from indie darling, appearing in such films as Frances Ha and Inside Llewyn Davis, to in addition to the aforementioned Silence, has also seen his name mentioned in contention for the upcoming Batman vs. Superman. This is not the most expected trajectory for an actor whose most significant press last year was for visibly ejaculating on one of his co-stars during a sex scene in Girls.
While we wait for additional casting news for Star Wars Episode VII, we can only wonder what additional profiles will be risen in contention for the film. Other welcome additions, such as Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Cumberbatch, have thus far remained within the realm of shadowy rumors, and have yet to develop into anything more.
Star Wars Episode VII is said to begin shooting in May at Pinewood Studios in the UK, with December 18, 2015 being eyed for a US release date.