LONDON (BBC): Two young unknown actors have been cast in the next Star Wars film following open auditions. British actor Pip Andersen and US-born Crystal Clarke, who is studying in Glasgow, were chosen from 37,000 hopefuls who attended casting calls held in 11 cities across the UK and US. A further 30,000 others applied online for the parts, which are lead roles. Little known actors have won parts in past Star Wars films through the traditional casting process.
It dates right back to the first Star Wars film in 1977 when the then unknown Mark Hamill secured the starring role as Luke Skywalker. He went on to appear in the next two Star Wars films and will also feature in the forthcoming Episode VII. Film producer Kathleen Kennedy said: “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”.