UPDATE 2! Jesse Plemons and Matthew James Thomas Out of the Running for Star Wars: Episode 7?

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It looks like two of the actors who were considered for a role in Star Wars: Episode 7 are in discussions for other projects. Jesse Plemons and Matthew James Thomas are probably both out of the running for Episode VII…


UPDATE!

(April 2, 2014)
According to THR Jesse Plemons is in talks to join Johnny Depp in the movie ‘Black Mass’. While there are no filming dates announced, the movie is scheduled for a 2015 release. So a possible involvement of Plemons with the movie would probably mean that he is out of the running for the Episode 7 lead as The Warp reported before (below). 


UPDATE 2!

More from THR:

Another actor who was reported to have been in the mix, Matthew James Thomas (best known as the star of Broadway’s Pippin), also appears to have out of the running. The actor recently auditioned for a role in Rosaline, a re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet set up at Universal. That movie would shoot late summer, early fall. (Other actors are in the mix and no one is set.)

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What Plemons and Thomas’ case shows is that actors who’ve met about Star Wars are now pursuing other work in light of little response from the Star Wars camp. 

In a nod to the complex nature of Star Wars’ casting process, agency sources say you can’t assume that you’re out of the running for the movie until it’s actually shooting.“I don’t think anyone is out when it comes to Star Wars. An actor will clear their schedule to be part of this and any deal won’t take long to make,” said one source.

_______________________________


(January 11, 2014)
The story comes from The Wrap and is considered as the start of several casting news coming in the next few weeks:

The 25-year-old actor hasn’t been cast yet, but he’s coming back to audition again for director J.J. Abrams

Jesse Plemons, who starred on both “Breaking Bad” and “Friday Night Lights,” is in contention for a lead role in “Star Wars: Episode VII,” multiple individuals with knowledge of the top-secret casting process have told TheWrap.

Plemons is scheduled to meet with director J.J. Abrams next week to discuss the highly anticipated sequel, which is expected to bring back original stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. Plemons has already taped an audition that was well-received by those involved in the casting process, and he’ll by flying in to Los Angeles from Austin, Texas for a second audition that will bring him face-to-face with Abrams.

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 While Plemons is represented by Talentworks, a smaller agency located in Burbank, two well-placed sources within the major agencies have told TheWrap that Plemons is a favorite to land one of the coveted lead roles in the “Star Wars” sequel; a third individual confirmed that Plemons is in the running and a serious contender.

There’s been no chatter on what role Plemons might take, but Plemons does bear a resemblance to Mark Hamill, and at 25 would be the right age to play the offspring of the 62-year-old Hamill’s Luke Skywalker.


He could very well fit in the “a late twenty-something male, fit, handsome and confident” role thathas been confirmed. And as the article said he could very well play Luke’s son.

And some twitter reactions:

Gotta say, aside from some snarky digs at his physical appearance, reaction to our PLEMONS/STAR WARS story has been overwhelmingly positive.
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) January 11, 2014

Plemons would be an interesting choice for Ep VII. Definitely a good actor. I could see him as a quirky friend rather than a serious lead
— Aaron Goins (@avgoins) January 11, 2014

Great work by @TheInSneider on Jesse Plemons. Jeff wouldn’t run this without serious sources. We have our first cast member/potato-face.
— Ali Arikan (@aliarikan) January 10, 2014

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58 thoughts on “UPDATE 2! Jesse Plemons and Matthew James Thomas Out of the Running for Star Wars: Episode 7?

  • January 11, 2014 at 12:26 pm
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    this is probably the actor playing an older ben Skywalker from the novels cause as the title book called crudible left off, Ben was at least in his late teens, so yeah this guy could be the Ben skywalker they are looking for since the trilogy will more than likely pick up 45 to 50 years after Return of the Jedi.

    • January 11, 2014 at 12:44 pm
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      Hope so!

      George Lucas told the book writers not to go past 43ABY, why? Because he wanted the new trilogy to cover that era!

      Although we’re all itching for concrete confirmation regarding canonicity, the more info we get, the more it seems like they’re gonna stick to the established canon. Hurray! Hardcore fans will be happy and SW won’t be ruined forever with a crappy retcon.

    • January 11, 2014 at 2:04 pm
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      An idea that could actually please everyone? Why would they do a silly thing like that?

    • April 2, 2014 at 9:38 pm
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      Star wars has officially announced that events would take place in 30 ABY.. I hoped for a screening of legacy of the force as well, but after all the canon talk I’m not sure what to expect. If we follow the novel timeline 30ABY is not long after the Yuuzhan Vong war, and I reallyreally hope for something like the YV wars!

    • April 2, 2014 at 10:23 pm
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      I’m wondering how many more times George Lucas, Lucasfilm and or Disney need to confirm the timeline this film is taking place (30 years after ROTJ) and how many more time they have to confirm that EU characters will not be involved before buffoon fanboys will understand there will be no Ben and no Mara and no Ping Pang Pong. You are the same “fans” that made Lucas not even want to do Star Wars anymore.

    • April 2, 2014 at 10:35 pm
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      YV wars is the worst part of the whole EU.

    • April 3, 2014 at 12:01 am
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      Bravo, Anon@11:23. Alas, Lucas and all other SW PTBs can state the same thing over and over till they lose their voices and it’ll make no matter. You can’t expect to convince people who actually think that the EU novels are quality sci-fi/fantasy literary works to understand that their beloved EU (along with all of its “wonderful” characters) is as extinct as Alderaan.

    • April 3, 2014 at 6:46 am
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      Seriously. Let the e.u. go. If JJ pulls a Thrawn Kahn= I will find the story so uninteresting.

    • April 3, 2014 at 9:09 am
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      I think those new films are going to work out fine.
      In fact, I, uh, was also thinking about our agreement about my staying
      on another season. And if these new films do work out, I want to
      transmit my application to the Academy this year.

  • January 11, 2014 at 3:57 pm
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    “potato-face.”, “some snarky digs at his physical appearance”. Yeah this is going to sound so so so rude but he has a very unusual face and bone structure. With acting, looks are important, and I’ve just looked up a random interview with him and he is also a bit slurry in his speech with that strong jaw. He seams like one of those boxers who’s face is deformed after years of being punched in the face and can also barely talk anymore. I’d be disappointing if he was cast. But, I haven’t seen him in anything before, presumably he must be brilliant at acting to be in his position, and I have always had faith in the casting for episode 7. JJ picked a great cast in star trek and he has brought some brilliant casting directors to star wars.

    • April 2, 2014 at 10:26 pm
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      It’s funny how ignorant people can be, calling him a potato face, complaining about his jaw line, but no one talks about his acting. Same as if a female actress gains 5 LBS she is called fat. Go look in your mirrors and at your own ugly faces and think what it would be like if people posted this crap about you on the internet.

  • January 11, 2014 at 4:33 pm
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    Bully from Like Mike. Thumbs down.

  • January 11, 2014 at 6:16 pm
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    You have to consider that he may likely go Darkside on us.

    • April 3, 2014 at 12:10 am
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      I have to? Why? Only because some ppl lack the creativity to get past your typical Sith vs. Jedi “wash, rinse, repeat” treatment for the ST? I’d like to think that Abrams, Kasdan, Kennedy and co. are far more imaginative and resourceful than that.

    • April 3, 2014 at 8:58 am
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      pray so , they are following lucas old script ??? it realy needs to go in a new direction . something that flips it on its head , is fresh and exciting ….

  • January 11, 2014 at 6:41 pm
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    ill pass with this guy

  • January 11, 2014 at 7:34 pm
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    He is a great actor when playing a great role as in Breaking Bad. Question is…is the role in Star Wars 7 a Great role? Hopefully the answer is Yes.

  • January 11, 2014 at 10:43 pm
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    where did it say that they are casting for ben skywalker or following any EU ?

    • January 11, 2014 at 11:37 pm
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      It’s purely guesswork.

    • January 12, 2014 at 1:11 am
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      Where did it say that they were doing a retcon and deleting established canonical continuity?

      As for the Ben thing, it is just a guess.

    • April 2, 2014 at 10:27 pm
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      Guess again meatball. Go read some confirmed articles.

    • April 2, 2014 at 10:56 pm
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      It is going to be so funny if in episode 7 Luke has a son named Ben.

    • April 3, 2014 at 6:14 am
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      Guys have in mind that you respond to comments from January 11. This was an old article that I updated. Check the dates.

  • January 11, 2014 at 10:50 pm
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    I agree with the general comments here, he does look like a bit of a dufus and he definitely has speech issues, at least judging from his role in Breaking Bad. You can easily picture him going, “..duh, which way did he go, which way did he go?”

    • January 12, 2014 at 1:27 am
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      I think ‘dufus’ is unfortunately the right way to describe his screen presence. I mean let’s be honest he doesn’t really look nor sound well spoken does he. He almost looks like a bully. And if that’s the best actor they can find to play a villian, then I’m pretty dissapointed. Both his voice and looks would be pretty distracting to watch. I don’t wish to sound rude based on judgments about his looks and his voice, but I dear god I really hope he isn’t cast.

    • January 12, 2014 at 1:50 am
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      You people have small minds…He would be really good for Star Wars.

  • January 12, 2014 at 2:18 am
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    I loved to hate his brilliantly creepy psycho Todd character on Breaking Bad. I would love to see him in the new SW trilogy. Interesting casting is always welcome.

  • January 12, 2014 at 6:14 am
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    some people on here talk absolute shit..this is just a rumor..the guy can obviously act..so give him a chance!..his looks might suit his role..

  • January 12, 2014 at 2:47 pm
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    REALLY? This ugly Quasimodo guy to be Luke’s son? REALLY?
    HE LOOKS SUPER CREEPY!! EWWWWW…………………..

    • April 2, 2014 at 10:28 pm
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      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    • April 2, 2014 at 11:46 pm
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      lol. No one’s officially confirmed that Luke will have any kind of direct blood descendants (as in children of his own, so you slow-witted EU junkies can understand), let alone that Plemons will be his son, and you’re having fits over internet gossip/rumors? It must suck to be you.

  • January 13, 2014 at 4:47 am
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    And I introduce you Star Wars 7, 8, 9’s Jar Jar Binks *facepalm*

    • April 2, 2014 at 10:29 pm
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      I’d rather see an entire film of JarJar Binks then this fanboy s$%t with Mara Jade and Benifer Skywalker.

    • April 3, 2014 at 2:56 am
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      You know, many of those Star Wars novels were well written. And they had a more mature tone than that Clone wars and rebels kid fodder.

  • January 13, 2014 at 4:49 am
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    He looks he could be the son of Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries

  • April 2, 2014 at 8:36 pm
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    Oh thank the maker. Jesse, John Boyega, Ed Speelers, Zac Efron, pretty much all of the rumored actors for the lead are just not right for star wars.

  • April 2, 2014 at 8:45 pm
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    Interesting. I thought Plemons was supposidly the man to beat. If he is out I have a feeling Boyega is in.

  • April 2, 2014 at 9:05 pm
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    He should gain a few pounds and play philip seymour hoffman in a biopic.

    • April 3, 2014 at 6:27 am
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      omg you are right

  • April 2, 2014 at 9:22 pm
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    Hmm I really like Matthew James Thomas. Unkown, innocent coming-of-age heroic vibe about him, looks like Mark Hamill did. Probably the only rumored actor so far for the lead I would even consider.

    • April 2, 2014 at 9:48 pm
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      Yeah same here, but who knows maybe there is someone that has slipped past the “rumored” radar that will be a better fit… there are a lot of actors out there after all 🙂

    • April 2, 2014 at 10:04 pm
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      Yeah JJ and his casting directors are great at casting so I have faith, it’s just so stressful because everyone that’s been rumored just hasn’t been a good fit for star wars. Star wars always had relatable/average looking people. I hate all of these rumours about wanting diversity over what’s best for the film. The audience should focus entirely on the character’s personality rather than their looks or their race or whatever they want to cheaply cram into the main character. They shouldn’t be distracting or feel out of place. Actors like Jesse and John Boyega just have a very strong screen presence which is 100% wrong for the lead in star wars. They should look very normal and innocent so they grow and mature. They shouldn’t start out looking buff and strapping and striking to look at like so many of the rumoured actors. Which as I say, Mathew has been the only one to tick the box for the right look, and also tick the box for being an unkown actor. But JJ has presumably been auditioning thousands so I have faith he’ll pick the right person.

  • April 2, 2014 at 9:50 pm
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    Great news! It would be too distracting to have someone with a strong dork appearance that Plemons has.
    As for Matthew Thomas, it doesn’t really matter. If he had made it, oh well. But, now that he is out, fuck him.
    I’m sure they will cast all the right people. There’s been no news on Adam “THE NOSE” Drive lately. Maybe that mf is out too. So exciting filming starts soon!

    • April 2, 2014 at 11:03 pm
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      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    • April 3, 2014 at 1:14 am
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      lol, can’t argue with these observations.

  • April 3, 2014 at 1:28 am
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    The lead actor of sw7 has to have a face and voice that will sell posters, action figures, video games, t-shirts, and yes, Spaceballs The Toilette Paper.

    I don’t know what’s up with Michael Thomas’ hair, but it never looks healthy. Jesse, probably a really good actor, but hard to see him as the lead in SW.

    Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, all good looking and likeable right away. Lucas had a good eye back then, but he was in his prime.

  • April 3, 2014 at 2:50 am
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    Well I hope they pick SOMEBODY before filming starts in May.

  • April 3, 2014 at 3:12 am
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    I know. Hard to believe in a May shoot when not even the Big 3 are confirmed officially.

  • April 3, 2014 at 4:16 am
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    ill say it again…Lucasfilm did a much better job at keeping us in the loop about the films, not sure who is responsible for all the secrecy, JJ, Disney or both?

    • April 3, 2014 at 8:44 am
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      I concur. I remember going to see Episode one knowing pretty well what the plot was about, but what I didn’t know was how bad some of the acting was going to be.

    • April 3, 2014 at 1:07 pm
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      Don’t you mean all the acting?

  • April 3, 2014 at 4:20 am
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    imo, the only decent EU storyline was the Kyle Katarn audio drama…

  • April 3, 2014 at 6:05 am
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    tbf its best we are kept in the dark. i would rather be suprised with what i am about to see, then know everything like those piss poor prequel.

  • April 3, 2014 at 8:18 am
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    Sorry I hate to say that but I really do not like Plemons and his acting.
    I relly hope JJ casts some else, everyone but not Plemons!!!

  • April 3, 2014 at 12:46 pm
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    as long as they dont say ‘ i have a bad feeling about this ‘ – again !!!! morons !!!! there vocabulary disturbs me ……… hey why not try saying go suck a wampas pie hole !!
    anything but …………….

    • April 3, 2014 at 1:10 pm
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      Ahh come on man, if you don’t want someone to say “I have a bad feeling about this”, then I would argue you’re not a fan of star wars! 😀 Every episode has that line tucked in somewhere. Someone needs to quip it again in ep 7 8 and 9.

  • April 3, 2014 at 3:11 pm
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    So was this article about his being in the running still or looking like he’s now out of the running?
    Personally, I have liked him in Friday Night Lights and Breaking Bad and think he would play well as a good guy gone over to the dark side. I don’t think we’ve seen him go really dark yet. Typically, I think a little “weirdness” in the looks department plays well for bad guys.

  • April 10, 2014 at 7:24 pm
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    I am glad they are keeping it mysterious. Why should we know what is coming? And for christ’s sake would someone tell these EU people that NO BOOKS ARE CANNON? ONLY THE MOVIES! Maybe if Lucasfilm and Lucas and Kennedy say it a 1000th time people will accept it. If they use the crap from the terrible legacy series as canon I lose all faith in the franchise. 1/3 of the books are deplorable. Only Kevin Anderson and Zahn and Lucero are really good at it anyway.

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