4 Feb – It was previously reported that "The Theory of Everything" actress Felicity Jones was among the actresses testing for the female lead role in the "Star Wars" standalone film, now it is confirmed that the Oscar-nominated British actress will indeed be starring in the spinoff. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jones is now in talks with Disney and LucasFilm to star in the project. As for the male lead, reportedly the studios are eyeing Aaron Paul from "Breaking Bad," and Edgar Ramirez from the movie "Wrath of the Titan." "Godzilla" director Gareth Edwards will be directing from a script penned by "About a Boy" writer Chris Weitz, who was hired to replace Gary Whitta after Whitta's departure from the project. The "Star Wars" spinoff is scheduled for release in North American cinemas on 16 December 2016.