When Disney announced the official cast for Star Wars: Episode VII yesterday, the glaring lack of new female characters was immediately apparent. Just two of the 13 announced cast members were women: Carrie Fisher, reprising her role as Princess Leia, and newcomer Daisy Ridley, playing an as-yet undisclosed female character.
The news was widely regarded as a disheartening decision for the future of Star Wars, a series that has always been disproportionately heavy on male characters. But according to The Hollywood Reporter, fans shouldn't give up hoping that the studio will achieve gender-balance for The Force just yet. Sources report that "at least one major female role remains open" — so all you Lupita Nyong'o fans should keep your fingers crossed.
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