"Star Wars" rumor report: More names and plot news

Michael Fassbender

New names have surfaced as contenders for roles in the upcoming “Star Wars” trilogy to be directed by J.J. Abrams.

They are:

Michael Fassbender, one of the stars of “12 Years a Slave,” the Best Drama winner at the Golden Globes Sunday. Fassbender is best known as the young Magneto in “X-men: First Class.”

Hugo Weaving, a fixture in science fiction and fantasy. He was Agent Smith in “The Matrix” trilogy, Elrond in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the voice of Megatron in the “Transformers” movies, and V in “V for Vendetta,” among others.

Adam Driver, who is currently in “Inside Llewyn Davis” but is best known as the rogue Adam in “Girls.”

The Hollywood Reporter has shed some light not only on casting rumors but also on story changes that have happened since the departure of Michael Arndt in the fall.

Abrams wants the story to focus more on Luke, Leia and Han Solo, the main characters from the original trilogy, so now the focus is more on them, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Fassbender and Weaving have already met with Abrams. Driver is being considered for a role.

More here.