Entertainment

'FNL' Alum Poised to Score Huge Role

by Emma Goddard

Jesse Plemons, known for his roles as Todd in Breaking Bad and Landry Clarke in Friday Night Lights, might be taking on quite a different character in the future. Literally, the future: Plemons has not only sent in an audition tape, but also has plans to meet with director J.J. Abrams in hopes of scoring a part in Star Wars: Episode VII. Sources have told The Wrap that the actor is “a favorite to land one of the coveted roles in the Star Wars sequel.”

With the fate of Plemons’ potential acting career with the Star Wars franchise in Abrams’ hands, one can only hope that the force be with him during his second audition. And there are bound to be plenty of fans hoping to see Plemons act alongside other rumored cast members Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. But who exactly would the Friday Night Lights star play in the franchise? Though those surrounding the film are remaining predictably mum, The Wrap claims Plemons resembles a young Mark Hamill, and could one day hear: “Jesse, I am your father.”

So could Plemons play Luke Skywalker's son? The original casting call, posted this past November, announced the film was seeking a male to play a 19-23-year old who is “handsome, smart and athletic.” Devilish smile? Check. Ability to understand the chemical properties of meth? Check. Star kicker for the East Dillon Lions? Check. Obviously, Plemons could fit this description for this major gig. The question is, does he really look like Hamill? We don't know about you, but we're with this guy:

So, if Plemons isn't up for a Skywalker-related role, then who would he be playing? Looking back, here are some other characters Plemons looks nothing like that might be able to take on (or not):

Han Solo's Son

As handsome as a young Ford was as Han Solo in the Star Wars movies, and as cute as Plemons looked in a football uniform, the two don’t really looking anything alike. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t play Han Solo's offspring. We'd dig it — just so long as Matt Saracen comes along to play Plemons' cuddly sidekick.

R2-D2

Right, so we have technology for this and Plemons' acting is hardly robotic, but if he has a mean whistle and knows how to make variations of “boop bleep,” it’s always a possibility.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

C-3PO

In case you didn’t know, long before over-the-top special effects and CGI reigned the movie industry, there was a man named Anthony Daniels who wore a golden costume and played the part of C-3PO. Although he too is rumored for a comeback in the next movie, there’s no reason why Plemons can’t bring some sassy spirit to this beloved character. Plus, Plemons' locks are a bit golden, right?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Ewan McGregor is a redhead and Plemons borders between being a redhead and a blond, so there’s that. However, if he was to land the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi, he’d have to grow a whole lot of hair on that soft baby face of his to compete with McGregor. So long as he can translate his football skills into fighting off villains with a lightsaber, then he’s probably in good shape.

Unknown Villain

Disney has kept everything under wraps and there hasn’t been any confirmation as whether or not Star Wars' original heroes will return to the franchise. But though rumors have circulated about the good guys, who is going to be the next Star Wars bad guy? Considering we've seen Plemons break really, really bad in Breaking Bad, here's betting the actor will be willing to break bad again in Star Wars.

With some fans worrying about Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm, Abrams and his crew have some big shoes to fill. So use the Force, guys, and make a wise move by picking up Plemons. He's our only hope.

Images: Getty; rebloggy.com, Lucasfilm