A recent report says that Felicity Jones, who starred in 'The Theory of Everything,' is likely to play the female lead role in the upcoming 'Star Wars' spin-off film. The film, scheduled for release in 2016, will be directed by Gareth Edwards.

The Hollywood Reporter says that the Oscar-nominated actress is currently negotiating the lead role with the producers. However, no detail regarding their talk has been made public.

Earlier reports speculated that 'The Vow' actress Tatiana Maslany and 'Side Effects' star Rooney Mara were also being considered for the role in the upcoming science fiction adventure movie.

According to sources, 'Breaking Bad' star Aaron Paul as well as Edgar Ramirez are among a number of actors who are being considered for the male lead in the film, which is set to release on Dec. 16, 2016.

It is worth mentioning here that 'The Book of Eli' screenwriter Gary Whitta, who wrote the first draft of the film, was replaced by Chris Weitz last week.

Meanwhile, there are reports that yet another 'Star Wars' spinoff movie is currently in the works, and this purported film will be directed by Josh Trank, who earlier directed 'Chronicle.' Nevertheless, the storyline of both movies, which are co-produced by Lucasfilm and Disney, have yet to be confirmed by either producer.

Even as the report of the possibility of Felicity Jones being signed on for the spin-off movie, 'Star Wars' fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the final installment of the movie franchise - 'Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens,' which is set to hit the theaters on Dec. 18. According to reports, the storyline of this movie is set 30 years after what happened in 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.'

'Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens' will feature original cast members, including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, alongside new cast members John Boyega and Adam Driver.