The "Star Wars" series looks like it has a new cast mate in the upcoming "Episode 8."

According to Collider, Gugu Mbatha-Raw is joining the cast to the upcoming film, which is currently in production. It is not clear what role she will play in the upcoming film as most details about the next chapter in the franchise have been kept under wraps.

For some time there were rumors that she was the favorite for the part. If the news is confirmed she would have beat out Tatiana Maslany ("Orphan Black"), Gina Rodriguez ("Jane the Virgin") and Olivia Cooke ("Me and Earl and the Dying Girl") for the role.

As casting continues it seems there will be another female lead as it seems that the new film will need two new female character and one that not yet cast. Perhaps one of the latter three actresses will be up for the role.

Mbatha-Raw is one of the most acclaimed young actresses of her generation as she has starred in a number of critical hits including "Belle" and "Beyond the Lights," which got her nominated for several awards. She was also seen in "Jupiter Ascending" and is also slated for this winter's "Concussion" with Will Smith and Disney's upcoming "Beauty and the Beast."

Disney is continuing the Star Wars saga this winter with "Star Wars: Episode VII -- The Force Awakens." The movie hits theaters on Dec. 18 and will be followed by the first spinoff "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" on Dec. 16, 2016. "Star Wars: Episode VIII" will be released on May 26, 2017, and will be followed by the "Han Solo Star Wars Anthology" film on May 25, 2018. The final chapter of the new trilogy will be released in 2019 and will titled "Star Wars: Episode IX."

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