Star Wars spin-off movie: Felicity Jones and Aaron Paul favourites for lead roles

The Theory of Everything star is reportedly in talks with Disney and Lucasfilm

Oscar-nominated actress Felicity Jones is in talks to play the female lead in a Star Wars spin-off (Getty Images)

Felicity Jones has emerged as the frontrunner for the planned Star Wars spin-off movie, after turning heads with her Oscar-nominated turn in The Theory of Everything.

The English actress is in talks with Disney and Lucasfilm to play the female lead in a new 3D film from Godzilla director Gareth Edwards, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

It is currently unclear what role Jones would take on but reports have suggested that she could play a young Princess Leia.

Rooney Mara and Tatiana Maslany have also been touted for the part and Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul is reportedly being eyed for the male lead.

Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad (Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC)

Plot details are also a mystery, but About A Boy screenwriter Chris Weitz is penning the script and it is scheduled to reach cinemas on 16 December 2016.

Whether or not the Star Wars spin-off will have its foundations in upcoming seventh instalment The Force Awakens remains to be seen.

JJ Abrams’ hotly-awaited movie opens this coming Christmas starring original cast members Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill alongside newcomers Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega.

Eighth and ninth episodes of Star Wars are set to follow in 2017 and 2019.

Jones is no stranger to blockbusters having co-starred as Felicia Hardy in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

She is nominated for a Best Actress gong at this year’s Academy Awards for her performance as Stephen Hawking’s wife Jane Wilde.

Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones in The Theory of Everything (Universal)

Her co-star, Eddie Redmayne, is up for Best Actor, competing with Birdman’s Michael Keaton and The Imitation Game’s Benedict Cumberbatch.