Glasgow auditions planned for new Star Wars film

Darth Vader pictured in The Empire Strikes Back. Might a Scots actor follow in his footsteps? Picture: AP

Casting directors for the next instalment of the science-fiction blockbuster are seeking a “smart capable” man in his late teens or early twenties and a woman in her late teens to play a “street smart and strong” orphan.

While neither Disney or Lucasfilm have officially confirmed the casting call is for Star Wars, the roles closely match character descriptions for the upcoming move, due to be directed by JJ Abrahams.

Hundreds of people are expected to descend on Glasgow when the open auditions take place next weekend. Film executives will assess hopefuls at city’s Wasp Studios between 10am and 2pm on 16 November and 17 November. .

Star Wars: Episode VII is being shot at Pinewood studios in London early next year for a 2015 release date. Casting directors will also visit Bristol, Manchester, London and Dublin as part of their search for talent.

For the male role, provisionally entitled Thomas, producers seek a young man able to play someone aged between 19 and 23. They must be “handsome, smart and athletic” as well as at least 18 years old, according to the casting call.

The female character, known as Rachel, is written for a 17 or 18-year-old who must be “beautiful, smart and athletic.” She is described as being “quite young when she lost her parents,” with “no other family”. The casting note adds: “She was forced to make her way in a tough, dangerous town. Always a survivor, never a victim, she remains hopeful that she can move away from this harsh existence to a better life. She is always thinking of what she can do to move ahead.”

The successful actors will follow in the footsteps of Mark Hammill, who was cast as protagoist Luke Skywalker despite being an unknown. Harrison Ford also shot to fame after starring as Han Solo in the original trilogy.