Star Wars reveals Ackie, Grant and Russell to appear in Episode IX
With official word on the new actors coming into Episode IX, three new exciting names are on the list.
The Internet is abuzz with the official cast released for Star Wars: Episode IX. Fans are overjoyed with the news that a proper ending will be given to Leia’s story via unused footage from The Force Awakens and that Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams will be returning as well.
The news also provided the first official hint for the new characters of Episode IX. Newcomers Richard E. Grant, Naomi Ackie, and Keri Russell are confirmed to be joining the cast. There is no official word on who they will be playing.
With over a 100 credits to his name, Grant is an acting veteran whose experience and versatility will be most welcomed to Episode IX. Superhero fans will most recently recall him playing the villainous Dr. Zander Rice in Logan. This will likely fuel speculation that he’ll play a First Order villain. He’s also appeared in iconic television shows like Game of Thrones, Downtown Abbey, and Dr. Who. While not as recent, he’s also well known for starring in films like Withnail and I, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Gosford Park.
Photos via Getty Images.
Ackie has far less credits to her name, but like Grant has also appeared in Dr. Who. Prior to joining the cast of Episode IX, the 2016 movie Lady MacBeth was her most well-known film. She has the chance to truly make her mark in the industry with her performance in Episode IX.
When the casting press release came out, many were surprised that Keri Russell was not on the list since there were already reports of Russell in talks to be in Episode IX, including speculation about the role she would or would not play.
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 05: Keri Russell attends the 2018 Winter TCA Tour at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on January 5, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images)
This has now been updated as Russell is now included in the press release. The delay was because her deal was not finalized by the time the news was sent out today. Now she is officially part of the press release and part of the cast.
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We are excited for Russell, Ackie, and Grant to join the cast of Episode IX. We look forward to learning more about the new characters they’ll bring to a galaxy far, far away.
Who do you think Keri Russell, Naomi Ackie, and Richard Grant will play in Episode IX? Let us know in the comments below!