Though we're still no closer to knowing who will lead 'Star Wars: Episode 7,' the latest casting rumor suggests that '12 Years a Slave' Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o is up to play one of the villains -- or a descendant of Obi-Wan Kenobi -- in the film.

Latino Review is reporting that Nyong'o has been reading for the part, possibly for a Sith, and is very close to signing on. That's one side of the story, as The Hollywood Reporter is suggesting that she could play a descendant of Obi-Wan Kenobi, which they describe as a "non-Caucasian role." One thing is for sure, Nyong'o met with director J.J. Abrams, and in doing so joins Jesse Plemons, Ed Speleers (‘Downton Abbey‘), John Boyega (‘Attack the Block’), Matthew James Thomas and Ray Fisher, who are all in contention for roles in 'Star Wars: Episode 7.' So far, Adam Driver of 'Girls' is the only one reportedly cast, and will play the lead villain.

But perhaps the most interesting aspect of this latest report is that the new 'Star Wars' movie is prepping to start shooting in late second quarter or early third quarter of this year. As we have no set cast yet, and the film is scheduled to hit next Christmas, it seems that the film will be on a very tight production schedule if it's going to meet its original release date. If the film decides to move into 2016 for whatever reason, perhaps it should come out on May 6, just to create even more chaos.

That said, 'Star Wars: Episode 7' is currently scheduled to hit theaters December 18, 2015.

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