Sam Claflin Eyed to Star in ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’; Riz Ahmed in Talks (Exclusive)

Gareth Edwards directing spinoff film starring Felicity Jones and Ben Mendelsohn

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Sam Claflin is being eyed for one of the starring roles in “Star Wars: Rogue One,” while Riz Ahmed is in talks to join the cast as well, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.

Disney and the actors’ reps had no comment.

Felicity Jones and Ben Mendelsohn are set to star in “Rogue One,” which was recently revealed to be a heist actioner involving a group of resistance fighters who unite to steal the plans to the Death Star.

Gareth Edwards is directing the film, which will take place between the events of Episode III, “Revenge of the Sith,” and the original “Star Wars” film, “A New Hope.”

While Claflin does not have the role yet, he is the frontrunner for one of the ensemble roles. He has a lot of experience as a supporting player in blockbusters ranging from “Snow White and the Huntsman” to “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Hunger Games,” but he is being eyed for a more substantial role in “Rogue One.”

“Star Wars: Rogue One” will be released Dec. 16, 2016.

Claflin and Ahmed, best known for “Four Lions” and “Nightcrawler,” are both repped by CAA.

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