Star Wars and Marvel fans were taken by surprise when it was revealed that Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has been developing a new Star Wars movie, and now it's been reported that Feige already has an actor in mind for a part in the movie, but no details are known about the actor or the role in question. Given what Feige and other actors have said before, there are a few people that fit the bill.
Since 2008, Marvel Studios has worked with a large number of high-profile actors, recruiting A-list talent for both lead and supporting roles in Marvel movies. Some of its earliest major hires include Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, and Anthony Hopkins. Just over the last few years, Marvel has cast Jeff Goldblum, Michael Douglas, Kurt Russell, Jake Gyllenhaal, Cate Blanchett, and more recently, Angelina Jolie as Thena and Hong Kong star Tony Leung as The Mandarin. Marvel Studios has also made use of multiple young, rising stars to headline its films, but Marvel doesn't just go after big-names in Hollywood; the studio has a reputation for taking lesser-known actors and launching them into the spotlight.
Related: Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie & Release Date
Marvel has encountered an overwhelming amount of success with its casting decisions, so it wouldn't be a surprise if Kevin Feige turns to a familiar face for his new Star Wars movie. Of course, the "major actor" Feige is referring to may not be necessarily connected to Marvel Studios, and could simply be an actor or actress whose work has caught Feige's eye. Here's a few of the actors Feige might look to cast in the new film.
Brie Larson
After winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for Room, Brie Larson caught the attention of Marvel Studios, which earned her the role of Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel. Larson has expressed interest in Star Wars, and appeared at the launch of Disney's Stars Wars theme park, Galaxy's Edge.
Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali has been making movies and TV for over 15 years but didn't rise to prominence until just a few years ago. The Luke Cage actor's critically-acclaimed performances in Moonlight and Green Book earned him two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Soon after making a call to Marvel Studios, Ali was cast as Blade in the MCU. On top of all that, Mahershala Ali was even up a role in The Batman, which is another indication of how popular the actor has become. So him doing Star Wars would be the next step.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson starred as the female lead in Creed alongside Michael B. Jordan and had a key role in Selma prior to being cast as the MCU's Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok. Her character was so well-received that she returned in Avengers: Endgame and will play the role a third time in Thor: Love and Thunder. Thompson is another actress who could be high on Feige's radar.
