Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Best Netflix Movies
  • Movie Release Dates
  • Best movies on Disney Plus
  • Best Netflix Shows
Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Entertainment
  2. Movies
  3. Sci-Fi Movies

Casting Star Wars Episode 7

Features
By Sam Ashurst published 8 November 2012

The force is definitely with this lot...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The Han Solo Option 1: Michael Fassbender

The Han Solo Option 1: Michael Fassbender

We'd like whoever makes Star Wars Episode VII to stick as closely to the original trilogy template as possible.

We're not saying they should reboot and recast Solo, but that there should definitely be a charming rogue character in the mix.

And we're not sure who has more roguish charm than Fassbender at the moment.

Combine the sleaze of Shame (without the swinging saber) with the conflicted heroism of Magneto, and you've got your man.

Failing that, we could see him as a villain - after all, I nglourious Basterds saw him don the sort of fascist duds the Empire liked to keep in their closets, and X-Men: First Class saw him demonstrate very force-choke-like skills.

Basically, we just want him in this thing.

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of 15
The Han Solo Option 2: Aaron Eckhart

The Han Solo Option 2: Aaron Eckhart

If Fassbender's a little too British to play one of the most iconic American heroes (okay, Corellian heroes), then Eckhart has the right mixture of rugged toughness and twinkle-eyed charisma to play the Galaxy's hippest space pirate.

It sounds as though Eckhart was disappointed not to reprise his role as Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight Rises .

Let's give him another shot at a blockbusting franchise.

Page 2 of 15
Page 2 of 15
The Han Solo Option 3: Ryan Gosling

The Han Solo Option 3: Ryan Gosling

Han Solo was the guy that men wanted to be, and women wanted to… Well, we can't go into it here, but trust us, it's filthy.

Ryan Gosling is the current epitome of that dynamic, with girls writing 10,000 word blog posts dedicated to Gosling marriage proposals, and boys running out to buy silk jackets with massive scorpions on the back.

There isn't anyone hipper in movies today. And he recently dropped out of Logan's Run …

Maybe he was clearing space in his schedule for the bigger SF blockbuster franchise with indie cred.

One thing's for sure, we know he can drive. If anyone can do the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs, it's Gosling.

Page 3 of 15
Page 3 of 15
The Princess Leia Option 1: Jennifer Lawrence

The Princess Leia Option 1: Jennifer Lawrence

Leia is one of the coolest female characters of all time.

Cocky when facing the scariest Sith in the universe, bad-ass in a battle, and she looks good enough in a metal bikini to turn C3P0's head.

Everything about Jennifer Lawrence's persona - both on and off the camera - makes her the perfect fit for this part.

And, unlike someone like Kristen Stewart, say, she's as popular with boys as she is with girls.

She's basically the Ryan Gosling of actresses - and wouldn't you like to see those two spar off against each other?

If she's not one of the first people announced, we'll be very, very surprised.

Page 4 of 15
Page 4 of 15
The Princess Leia Option 2: Scarlett Johansson

The Princess Leia Option 2: Scarlett Johansson

But if Lawrence is too busy, we're hoping that Scarlett Johansson can fit Episode VII in around her Avengers 2 shooting schedule.

Both properties are owned by Disney after all, so there'll be potential to make it work.

Like Carrie Fisher before her, Johansson mixes sensuality with strength - often feeling like the hardest person in the room, even when she's in a room with an alien god.

And forget the metal bikini, we want to see Scarlett running around a starship in Organa's white robes, gun in hand.

Page 5 of 15
Page 5 of 15
The Princess Leia Option 3: Emily Blunt

The Princess Leia Option 3: Emily Blunt

But with both Johansson and Lawrence both tied up in mega-franchises, we think there's room for Emily Blunt to take a shot at ruling the galaxy.

After all, she was the first choice for Iron Man 2 's Black Widow, before having to drop out.

Stick a couple of croissants to her head, and she's the spitting image of Fisher.

She even sounds a bit like her in Looper . Especially when she's wielding a shotgun. Star jump this woman a contract, immediately.

Page 6 of 15
Page 6 of 15
The Luke Skywalker Option 1: Joseph Gordon Levitt

The Luke Skywalker Option 1: Joseph Gordon Levitt

Despite the near-constant speculation since the release of The Dark Knight Rises , we will never get to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Batman.

But he's got exactly the correct combination of wide-eyed optimism and conflicted darkness we'd need for Episode VII 's resident farm boy.

We'd like to see Levitt make the transition from (500) Days Of Summer 's whiny complainer, to Rises ' improvisational hero, through to Looper 's bad-ass by Episode IX .

Page 7 of 15
Page 7 of 15
The Luke Skywalker Option 2: Dane DeHaan

The Luke Skywalker Option 2: Dane DeHaan

You might not know the name, but how many people could name-check Hamill before Star Wars? Anyone who's seen Chronicle will have probably already mocked-up a photoshop image of Dane in Jedi robes.

Chronicle 's arc is remarkably similar to Star Wars ; a group of young people discover they have force-similar superpowers, and have to decide whether to go down a light or dark path. All that's missing are the laser swords.

DeHaan was the stand-out star, and his ability to demonstrate a believable transition from weakness to world-conquering power would be perfect for Episode VII 's universe.

Page 8 of 15
Page 8 of 15
The Luke Skywalker Option 3: Ben Whishaw

The Luke Skywalker Option 3: Ben Whishaw

Skywalker has to be a bit geeky, with hidden strengths. He has to look like he'd be ignored in a crowd, while also retaining the potential to be the romantic lead.

It's a very difficult balance, one that Whishaw pulls of with ease.

The fact that half the world has just seen him in Skyfall , the biggest film of his career, will definitely help his case.

Page 9 of 15
Page 9 of 15
The Obi-Wan Option 1: Mark Hamill

The Obi-Wan Option 1: Mark Hamill

It really can't be anyone else. If there is to be an Obi-Wan style mentor to the new group of Star Wars kids, it has to be Hamill.

Not only because it'll connect Episode VI to Episode VII , but because Mark Hamill is awesome.

Just imagine the cheers when Hamill's Skywalker steps out of the shadows in his black cloak, pulling down his hood to reveal a fresh Kenobi style beard, just before he lights his green saber to cut down some Stormtroopers.

Page 10 of 15
Page 10 of 15
The Obi-Wan Option 2: Gary Oldman

The Obi-Wan Option 2: Gary Oldman

But if for some reason Hamill can't do it, then we want the closest thing we've got to Sir Alec Guinness.

A true British icon and one of the best actors we've ever produced - Gary Oldman.

He's done Potter, he's done Batman, he may well need to atone for RoboCop , let's get him fitted for some Jedi robes, just in case.

Page 11 of 15
Page 11 of 15
The Darth Vader Option 1: Tom Hardy

The Darth Vader Option 1: Tom Hardy

Let's face it, Hardy's Bane was Darth Vader in all but name.

The life-support face-mask, the weird breathing, the unusual voice, the propensity for choking…

Episode VII 's villain needs to be an iconic bruiser fit to follow in the cape-sweeps of one of the big screen's greatest ever baddies.

And Hardy's demonstrated a propensity for pulling off that particular magic trick in the past.

Page 12 of 15
Page 12 of 15
The Emperor Option 1: Ralph Fiennes

The Emperor Option 1: Ralph Fiennes

But if the Episode VI I filmmakers decide to go down a darker path, by utilising a less direct villain more in the insidious mold of the Emperor, then Ralph Fiennes should probably start preparing his signature for all the various contracts that Disney will be putting in front of him soon.

After all, with the Empire defeated, Episode VII 's villain will have to rise from a position of extreme weakness.

That's something that Fiennes' Voldemort knows a thing or two about.

Page 13 of 15
Page 13 of 15
The Grand Moff Tarkin Option 1: Benedict Cumberbatch

The Grand Moff Tarkin Option 1: Benedict Cumberbatch

People frequently forget that Darth Vader wasn't the main villain of A New Hope - Peter Cushing's Tarkin was the man in charge of the first Death Star. He's the one who decided to destroy Leia's home world to make a very basic point.

So we'd like to see a version of that character - an ordinary human, full of the purest evil - in Episode VII .

Cumberbatch isn't known for playing the villain, but that'll change as soon as Smaug is unleashed onto Middle Earth.

We reckon it's high time he played a haughty baddy strolling around the Death Star. Or Death Moon.

Or whatever the big weapon ends up being called in the next Star Wars film.

Page 14 of 15
Page 14 of 15
The Grand Moff Tarkin Option 2: Tom Hiddleston

The Grand Moff Tarkin Option 2: Tom Hiddleston

Meanwhile, Tom Hiddleston is very much known for playing the villain - he was the baddie in the biggest blockbuster of the summer, after all.

If Thanos is due to take centre-stage in Avengers 2 , then we really shouldn't deprive 2015's film fans of the chance to see Tom sneering in the face of his foes in a good vs evil CGI-fest.

Let's hope that Disney is currently setting the coordinates of their Millennium Falcon for Asgard, with an Imperial Military outfit on the back-seat.

Page 15 of 15
Page 15 of 15
Sam Ashurst
Social Links Navigation

Sam Ashurst is a London-based film maker, journalist, and podcast host. He's the director of Frankenstein's Creature, A Little More Flesh + A Little More Flesh 2, and co-hosts the Arrow Podcast. His words have appeared on HuffPost, MSN, The Independent, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, and many more, as well as of course for us here at GamesRadar+.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter
Read more
Rey in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars Movies Every new Star Wars movie and TV show currently in the works
 
 
Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray in Star Wars: Starfighter
Star Wars Movies Star Wars: Starfighter release date, cast, plot, and more news
 
 
Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray in Star Wars: Starfighter
Star Wars Movies Star Wars: Starfighter reveals new synopsis teasing a mission that "may alter the future of the Force itself"
 
 
Star Wars timeline: a screenshot of The Empire Strikes Back.
Star Wars Movies Star Wars timeline: Every major event in chronological order
 
 
How to watch the Star Wars movies in order
Star Wars Movies How to watch the Star Wars movies in order (release and chronological)
 
 
An Obi-Wan Kenobi action figure wielding a lightsaber, with boxes visible in the background
Toys & Collectibles Here's how Star Wars action figures and collectibles get made, according to the experts
 
 
Latest in Sci Fi Movies
Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man in Masters of the Universe
Sci-Fi Movies Masters of the Universe director explains how the new movie reckons with He-Man's "internally inconsistent" mythology
 
 
Pedro Pascal unmasked as Din Djarin in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Star Wars Movies Pedro Pascal spends more time unmasked in The Mandalorian and Grogu than the three Disney Plus seasons
 
 
Grogu and the Anzellans in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Star Wars Movies Jon Favreau says he "called up" JJ Abrams about using the Anzellans
 
 
Disclosure Day
Sci-Fi Movies Early reactions to Disclosure Day call it Steven Spielberg's best film in years, and the "weirdest movie" he's ever made
 
 
Adam Driver in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars Movies Almost 10 years later, one Star Wars fan has spotted a big difference between The Last Jedi trailer and the movie
 
 
Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin and Baby Yoda in the snow in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Star Wars Movies One Star Wars fan has given us a Mandalorian and Grogu homestead tour, and now I really want to live there
 
 
Latest in Features
Pragmata character Diana holding her hand up
Action Games Why Pragmata disappeared for 6 years, and how Capcom built a new IP while the industry imploded
 
 
Cosy Nintendo Switch games on a purple background
Nintendo Switch Get comfy, these are the 12 cozy Nintendo Switch games you need to hit ultimate zen this weekend
 
 
James Bond looking serious in glasses in 007 First Light
Action Games After 007 First Light, can we ease up on parries and ledge-climbing?
 
 
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 trailer screen grab showing John Price
FPS Games Modern Warfare 4: Everything we know about the new Call of Duty game
 
 
Zero Parades screenshots
RPGs Zero Parades being an easier RPG than Disco Elysium makes perfect sense
 
 
Disney Lorcana boosters, box, Lore spinner, and dice on a wooden surface
Tabletop Gaming Everything you need to know about Disney Lorcana Wilds Unknown
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man in Masters of the Universe
    1
    Masters of the Universe director explains how the new movie reckons with He-Man's "internally inconsistent" mythology
  2. 2
    Former Destiny 2 boss praises The Witcher 3 DLC, says "half a generation of players weren't of age" when the RPG shipped
  3. 3
    Rayman Origins remaster leaks on the Xbox Store with a very affordable placeholder price of $2,000
  4. 4
    Former Dying Light lead says not properly recording work makes sequels so much harder
  5. 5
    Why Pragmata disappeared for 6 years, and how Capcom built a new IP while the industry imploded

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...