The cast of Star Wars: Episode IX just gained a new member. The Americans star Keri Russell has joined the project ahead of production, which is due to start at the end of this month.
Variety reports that Russell’s role calls for “action-heavy fight scenes,” though it’s unclear at this time if she will fight for the Resistance or the First Order. Lucasfilm met with a handful of actors for the role, but decided on Russell earlier this week. According to the report, director J.J. Abrams is likely to cast two more actors before filming kicks off.
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Russell, of course, is no stranger to action, as her past credits include Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Mission Impossible III. She has also appeared in Free State of Jones, Waitress, August Rush and Running Wilde. Previously, she worked with Abrams on his beloved series Felicity, in which she played the titular role.
Star Wars: Episode IX is set to arrive in theaters on December 20, 2019. The movie will star Daisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren and Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron.