KERI RUSSELL TO WORK IN STAR WARS

Mission: Impossible III (2006) actor Keri Russell is in talks to star in Star Wars: Episode IX. The film will be directed by JJ Abrams, who also makes a return to the franchise. The role calls for actionheavy scenes, and Russell has earlier performed stunts in projects such as the TV show The Americans and Dawn of the Planet of Apes (2014). The film may also star Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Adam Driver.

The makers of Star Wars: Episode XI are eyeing Keri Russell. The 42-year-old actor may join the JJ Abrams directorial. The actor-director duo has earlier worked together in 2006’s Mission: Impossible III.

The role calls for actionheavy fight scenes, and Russell has previously performed stunts in the TV show The Americans and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014).

Abrams and the producers met several potential actors for the role in the last two months and decided that Russell was the right choice. The director is likely to cast two more actors before the production starts.

The film is also expected to star Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, and Adam Driver. This will also be Abrams’ return as director — he helmed Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and was asked to come back to direct the latest installment after Jurassic World (2015) director Colin Trevorrow exited following creative differences.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK Keri Russell