Star Wars: Rogue One creators reportedly eyeing Nightcrawler actor Riz Ahmed for lead

Actor Riz Ahmed is currently pegged as the first choice for the leading male role in the upcoming Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One, Variety reports.

If cast in the part, Ahmed will join actress Felicity Jones as a rebel soldier. His past films include Nightcrawler, Four Lions and The Road to Guantanamo.

Rogue One, set to hit theaters in December of next year, is the first in a series of separate Star Wars films that will focus on characters "beyond the core Star Wars saga." Rogue One takes place between Episodes 3 and 4 of Star Wars and follows a band of resistance fighters on a mission to steal plans for the Death Star.

For more Star Wars news, check out our StoryStream from Star Wars Celebration, which took place earlier this month.