The 'Star Wars' Casting Rumors That We Can (Maybe) Put to Rest

Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o and Michael B. Jordan (Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images, Rich Polk/Getty Images, Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

Now that the heavily-hyped principal cast of “Star Wars: Episode VII” has been announced, it’s clear how many if not most of the rumors about which actors were up for leading roles failed to pan out. The buzz began in October 2012 when Disney dropped the news bombshell that they were acquiring LucasFilm and a new “Star Wars” trilogy, and speculation around casting soon followed.

Here are the rumored “Star Wars” actors who it looks like missed the call of movie history in the end with today’s annoucement:

Michael Fassbender: The “X-Men: Days of Future Past” star’s proven franchise potential and surging popularity made him a Force-ful contender, particularly after his performance in “Prometheus” as android David (reportedly, he’ll be reprising that role soon in the sequel).

Lupita Nyong’o: The Oscar winner and award season darling has enough buzz behind her to keep the pundits guessing what role she’ll take next. After reportedly meeting with Abrams in March, Nyong’o’s name moved to the top of rumored “Star Wars” cast members lists. But with The Hollywood Reporterwriting that there is still one more “substantial role” for a female left to cast, Nyong’o might yet be headed for a galaxy far, far away.

Michael B. Jordan: Although he confirmed he auditioned for an unnamed role in “Star Wars,” the “Fruitvale Station” standout and reported “Fantastic Four” cast member likely has a conflict of franchise interest.

[Photos: Meet the Cast of ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’]

Hugo Weaving: The man with the most established franchise pedigree on this list given his past scene-stealing roles in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Matrix.” Weaving was rumored to have been considered for an Imperial commander role, but the Force was not with him.

Jesse Plemons: The “Friday Night Lights” and “Breaking Bad” alum was reported to have been on the “Star Wars” short list for one of the “coveted lead roles.”

Benedict Cumberbatch: After his successful and villainous turn in Abrams’ “Star Trek: Into Darkness” it would appear that Cumberbatch was an ideal “Star Wars” candidate. The “Sherlock” star later acknowledged and debunked the report.

Gary Oldman: Including veteran thespian Oldman in the cast would’ve added a second former “Harry Potter” star to the mix (along with confirmed addition Domhnall Gleeson), but alas, the actor’s name was left off the list. “The deal isn’t done,” Oldman said back in February, “But yeah, they’ve inquired.”

Chiwetel Ejiofor: The other award season darling on the list, “12 Years A Slave” star Ejiofor’s name entered the conversation in January. He didn’t confirm nor deny the rumors when the news broke, only admitting that he is a fan of the franchise. He will be seen next in the drama “Half of a Yellow Sun” co-starring “Episode VII” actor John Boyega.

[Related: Who’s Who and What’s What in the ‘Star Wars’ Casting Pic]

Jack O’Connell: Along with Plemons, up-and-coming “Skins” star O’Connell also starred alongside Fassbender in 2008’s “Eden Lake.” The young star was also reportedly considered for a “coveted lead role.”

Sullivan Stapleton: Before hitting the big screen in “300: Rise of an Empire” earlier this year, the Australian actor reportedly met with Abrams and Co. last October.

Simon Pegg: Another established member of Abrams’ “Star Trek” crew, Pegg’s name entered the “Star Wars” conversation very soon after Abrams was announced as director. Although he always playfully dodged commenting on the casting rumor, Pegg said we can trust Abrams to “bring the fun back” to the franchise.

Rachel Hurd-Wood: The fantasy and genre-specializing UK actress (“Peter Pan,” “An American Haunting,” “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”) reportedly auditioned to play Princess Leia’s daughter.

Alex Pettyfer: Along with Hurd-Wood, the “Magic Mike” and “Endless Love” actor’s name was brought into the conversation as a possible son of Luke Skywalker. Pettyfer said he was “more of a fanboy" and would rather watch a new "Star Wars" movie than be in it.

Liam McIntyre: This Aussie seems primed for action-oriented work, having appeared on Starz’s “Spartacus: War of the Damned” and in “The Legend of Hercules.” McIntyre reportedly auditioned for an unknown Jedi role.

Saoirse Ronan: The “Hanna” actress confirmed last fall that she had auditioned for “Star Wars” but added the off-hand comment that “so has everyone.”

Ksenia Solo: The “Lost Girl” and “Black Swan” actress was at one point reportedly being considered for a role as Han Solo’s daughter which, given her last name, was way too good to be true.