With rumors that The Force Awakens star Daisy Ridley was in the running to play Lara Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider reboot (although the part eventually went to Alicia Vikander), and John Boyega joining the cast of Pacific Rim 2, the world is left with the question: What other actors from Star Wars could take on a fan-favorite role or two? Could we see Harrison Ford in another major adventure franchise, or should Adam Driver take on another villainous role? We have taken it upon ourselves to decide in this article.
For this list, we have cast 12 fan-favorite Star Wars actors in iconic roles of other notable properties. We tried to select characters from films movies that have been announced, or at the very least, could possibly happen in the near future. Some of these selections may be long shots, but we believe that these moves could potentially be stellar casting choices. If any of these castings end up coming to fruition, you can tell your friends you heard it here first.
Here are 12 Fan-Favorite Characters the Cast of Star Wars Should Play Next.
12. Harrison Ford – Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Uncharted)
Harrison Ford may be most well-known for his role as the charming scoundrel Han Solo in the various Star Wars films, but the 73-year-old actor has since become so much more over the course of his long and prosperous career. Equally iconic to Solo, perhaps, is Ford’s run as the cunning archeologist Indiana Jones. The Academy Award-nominated actor may have become a star due mostly to these two fan-favorite franchises, but has since gone on to achieve success in numerous blockbusters over the decades. In fact, some of the most memorable and celebrated films of the last 50 years have had Ford’s name on the cast list: Blade Runner, Apocalypse Now, Witness, The Fugitive, and American Graffiti, just to name a few.
With the Uncharted film stuck in development hell for the past few years, not much is known about the live-action adaptation of this popular video game series by the same name. That said, it remains among fans’ most anticipated video game adaptations as the series itself already feels very cinematic and features a cast of memorable characters with rich backstories. One of these particularly memorable characters is the the main protagonist’s (Nathan Drake) friend and former mentor Victor “Sully” Sullivan. As a treasure hunter and thief with at times ambiguous intentions, we get the feeling that Ford may be the perfect casting choice for the somewhat unscrupulous yet lovable Sully.
11. Carrie Fisher – Barbara Gordon (Batman Beyond)
Like Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher can attribute much of her fame to the Star Wars saga. That said, the actress is widely recognized today, not only for her numerous other notable roles throughout the decades both in television and cinema, but also for her refreshingly candid personality off-screen. Fisher has never been afraid to speak her mind, showing that she not only portrays a strong female character as the beloved Leia Organa on film, but lives it out in her daily life as well.
One character we would love to see Carrie Fisher portray is Barbara Gordon, Commissioner Jim Gordon’s daughter, in a live-action adaptation of Batman Beyond. Yes, we are aware of the fact that a Batman Beyond film is not slated for release at this time, but as fans of the cartoon series, this is one big screen adaptation we would certainly be interested in seeing. Batman faithful are certainly clamoring for a live-action adaptation and we have no doubt that Fisher could provide the attitude and gravitas necessary to portray yet another strong female character.
10. Gwendoline Christie – Captain Marvel
Gwendoline Christie has been cast in a diverse range of shows and movies – Top of the Lake, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Game of Thrones, Wizards vs. Aliens, The Zero Theorem, and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 to name a few – but we still get the feeling that her talents have not been fully displayed as of yet. Being rather underutilized in the The Force Awakens, we hope to see more of her character, Captain Phasma, in future Star Wars films.
Additionally, we hope to see more of Gwendoline Christie in various roles within other films as well. One character we would not mind seeing her portray is Captain Marvel. Now, this may be a bit of a stretch, especially considering that Brie Larson is rumored to be the frontrunner for this fan-favorite role, but we could not help but think that Christie would truly embody the character. Not to mention, the Game of Thrones star truly could capture the look of miss Carol Danvers.
9. Domhnall Gleeson – Gordon Freeman (Half-Life)
2015 was truly a breakout year for Domhnall Gleeson. Starring in four Academy Award nominated films – Brooklyn, Ex Machina, The Revenant, and Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens – has truly gone a long way toward showing the vast range of abilities for the Irish actor. Much like Gwendoline Christie, we hope to see even more of Gleeson’s on screen presence in the upcoming Star Wars sequel.
Domhnall Gleeson is truly a talent that could fit pretty much anywhere on a cast list and serve to elevate the film. The actor has proven himself as a leading man, and also works very nicely in a supporting role. His transition from character to character leaves the actor almost unrecognizable to audiences as he truly has the ability to become engulfed in his portrayal. Unfortunately for fans of the franchise, both Half-Life 3 and the live-action film adaptation appear to be stuck in development hell, but if the movie ever actually finds its way to theaters, we would love to see Gleeson portray leading man Gordon Freeman.
8. Lupita Nyong’o – Tiana (Princess and the Frog)
Lupita Nyong’o may in fact be one of the most underrated actresses in Hollywood – at least in terms of public perception. Only having starred in four films, the general moviegoing audience is still getting to know the budding actress. Not to mention, two of her major gigs came in the form voice acting roles – Maz Kanata in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens and Raksha in this year’s live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book – so she has not been granted a lot of face time as of yet.
Lupita Nyong’o is on the cusp of becoming a hard to spell household name, as she is truly one of Hollywood’s premiere young talents. Perhaps she could propel herself into a new level of stardom by becoming a Disney princess. With announcements of even more animated Disney films being adapted into live-action movies, we hope that Princess and the Frog soon finds its way to the big screen, and if it does, we would love to see Nyong’o portray Tiana. This Academy Award winner surely has the talent and pedigree to take on numerous fan-favorite roles (perhaps even one with a cape), so we are just excited to see whichever film she decides to take on next.
7. Alden Ehrenreich – Nathan Drake (Uncharted)
It came to the surprise of many when Hail, Caesar! star Alden Ehrenreich was cast as young Han Solo in the character’s future standalone Star Wars film. As a more under the radar choice, Ehrenreich still has room to grow and develop rather than consistently being typecast as the lovable idiot. Without having seen his portrayal of the iconic Han Solo, we have faith that Disney made the right choice, and if he can potentially make this character his own, while staying true to the scoundrel we all know and love, it stands to reason that he can truly tackle any role.
One of the roles we would love to see Ehrenreich portray is that of treasure hunter Nathan Drake. As earlier stated, the Uncharted series is filled with memorable characters and features a cinematic story. The game franchise is simply ripe for a live-action adaptation and is sure to get a major film eventually, and when it does, Alden Ehrenreich would certainly be a good fit for the story’s protagonist. Not to mention, having the original Han Solo and young Han Solo in the same film would be a fun treat for moviegoers and fans.
6. Felicity Jones – Samus Aran (Metroid Prime)
Anther new addition to the list of Star Wars leading actors is Felicity Jones. Slated to portray rebel Jyn Erso in the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, fans have already begun to embrace Jones as part of the Star Wars family. While reported reshoots have some worried, we are simply excited to see The Theory of Everything actress tackle this role in a brand new adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
Felicity Jones has already proven herself as an uber-talented actress in the aforementioned Best Picture nominee, and is set to display her chops as a badass leading lady in Rogue One. With Nintendo announcing that they are committed to producing film adaptations of their fan-favorite game franchises, we can only hope that a Metroid Prime movie soon makes its way to theaters, and if it does, we would sure love to see Felicity Jones portray the main protagonist Samus Aran.
5. Mark Hamill – Doctor Octopus (Spider-Man)
Mark Hamill is a living legend. His portrayal of Luke Skywalker needs no introduction, as it will forever live on as a piece of cinematic history. A simple Twitter picture of his robes is newsworthy enough to create headlines, and a brief 30 second appearance at the end of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is powerful enough to bring grown men to tears. Of course, Hamill has done much more than just portray Luke Skywalker over the course of his acting career.
One of his other more notable roles is that of The Joker in various animated series. In fact, his portrayal of Mr. J has gained him a whole other slew of fans and has since earned Hamill the title of the definitive voice of the animated clown. Batman universe aside, the actor has been known for portraying villains over the past couple decades – The Joker in various animated series, Darth Bane in Star Wars: Clone Wars, and The Trickster in The Flash television series to name a few – and we would love have Hamill add another villain to his arsenal with Doctor Octopus in an upcoming Spider-Man feature, now that Marvel has taken over the franchise.
4. Oscar Isaac – Commander Shepard (Mass Effect)
Along with Ex Machina co-star Domnhall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac had a pretty decent 2015. With his role as Poe Dameron in The Force Awakens, Isaac has established himself as one of the exciting new leads in this brand new saga. In fact, in a film of talented young actors and actresses, Oscar Isaac potentially stands out as the most talented of them all. The Guatemalan born actor is one of the few young stars with a proven track record prior to his debut in Star Wars having starred in Ex Machina, Drive, Inside Llewyn Davis, A Most Violent Year, and Mojave.
Isaac can simply do whatever he sets his mind to when it comes to acting. With a number of talented actors – Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, and now Jake Gyllenhaal – signing on to video game adaptations, we could easily see The Force Awakens star cast in another in the near future. One movie that truly excites us is Mass Effect. Like so many others in the genre, Mass Effect finds itself stuck in development hell, but if it ever gets off the ground, Oscar Isaac would make a great addition as protagonist Commander Shepard.
3. John Boyega – Agent Smith (MIB 23)
One of the other more exciting young talents in the Star Wars universe is John Boyega. The British actor made a name for himself in the 2011 action comedy Attack the Block, and has since become a household name due to his portrayal of Finn in The Force Awakens. Boyega has proven himself as a force in the realm of action, and has also exhibited excellent comedic timing. With the news of the 24-year-old signing on to Pacific Rim 2, he has already shown that a leading role in Star Wars can serve as a springboard to other major films.
One movie that could use a frontman with comedic timing and action chops is MIB 23. The controversial crossover between both Men in Black and 21 Jump Street franchises is currently without an Agent J or an Agent K, and Boyega could be a fun addition to the group. Whether or not they decide to recast these characters, or write new ones all together, John Boyega would be a great casting choice.
2. Adam Driver – Dracula
Adam Driver has proven himself to be a versatile actor in various films – Midnight Special, Inside Llewyn Davis, Frances Ha, What If, and of course Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. He has played the comedic relief, the likable supporting character, and of course the brooding villain over the course of his young career.
While he has in fact been cast in various different roles, he has become most well-known for his portrayal of Kylo Ren in the most recent Star Wars sequel. In line with this recent casting, we would enjoy seeing Driver in more villainous roles in the future, and perhaps even one of cinema’s most iconic villains, Dracula. It is true that we have recently seen a film featuring the infamous baddie in 2014’s Dracula Untold, but with its poor reception, we do not think that anyone would mind a reboot. Especially with Universal announcing their shared monster movie universe, we believe that Adam Driver could truly bring new life to one of cinema’s greatest antagonists.
1. Daisy Ridley – Huntress (Birds of Prey)
Daisy Ridley might have been a relative unknown before signing on to play Rey in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, but it certainly did not take long for the world to fall in love with her character as well as the actress behind her. The world has recently become Daisy Ridley obsessed and the 24-year-old actress has since been rumored for other major roles (such as Laura Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider reboot before Alicia Vikander was cast). Simply put, we expect to see a lot more of Daisy Ridley in the future, and not just in Star Wars films.
One role we feel she would be perfect for is that of Huntress in the upcoming Birds of Prey film. In the television version of Birds of Prey, Huntress’ alter-ego was none other than Helena Kyle – daughter of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. After the death of her mother, Helena is looked after by Barbara Gordon who, unbeknownst to her, used to protect Gotham as Batgirl. Known as a strong female hero with a mysterious past, we can think of no one better to portray Huntress than Daisy Ridley.
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What do you think of our casting choices? Who would you like to see the cast of Star Wars play next? Make sure to let us know in the comments section below.
