‘Star Wars Episode VII’ Casting Call In Chicago, Report

Star Wars Episode VII is finally picking some steam, with casting call announcements (even though no confirmation has been made by Disney) in the UK earlier this week. Now it is reported that Chicago will also be lucky enough to have the studio looking at talent.

By now, if you follow what is going on with this anticipated production, you know Disney is looking for a young man and a young woman to fill two roles in the next installment of the space saga of a galaxy far, far away.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lucasfilm is setting its sights on the windy city to look for the perfect actors to play the starring roles.

Even though it is unusual for major studios in the US to do open casting calls for major productions, it isn’t unheard of and the three main actors in the originals, Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher were unknown to the industry in 1977.

The Chicago Tribune reports that on November 14 Lucasfilm will hold the casting call at Park West in Lincoln Park for the new Star Wars Episode VII.

The report says Lucasfilm casting director Maryellen Aviano (Marvel’s The Avengers and Inception,) will be looking for the following attributes:

“No.1: A young female, 17-18 years old, ‘street smart, independent, athletic, natural beauty… all ethnicities, multi & bi-racial.’ (The character is named ‘Rachel’ and was ‘quite young when she lost her parents. With no other family, she was forced to make her way alone in a tough, dangerous town… Always a survivor, never a victim, she remains hopeful…’)

No. 2: A young male to play 19-23 years old (though the actor must be older than 18). The role is described as ‘athletic, smart, handsome, independent spirited.” (The character is named ‘Thomas,’ and he has ‘grown up without a father’s influence. Without the model of being a man, he doesn’t have the strongest sense of himself.”)

Lucasfilm asks participants to leave their lightsabers and character costumes at home for this one, which takes place between 3pm and 8pm CST.

If Aviano likes your performance, she will call you back the following day for a casting audition. If you are a minor, you must bring a parent or guardian with you. Acting experience is not necessary.

Star Wars Episode VII will be directed by J.J. Abrams and filming starts at Pinewood Studios in London next Spring. The release date has been announced as December 18, 2015. May the force be with you…always.

Think you have what it takes to be cast in Star Wars Episode VII?