‘Star Wars: Episode VII’: Will it have another major female role?

Daisy Ridley might not be the only female newcomer to the “Star Wars” universe.

The young British actress was the only woman among the seven new names announced to star in Disney’s highly anticipated space-opera “Star Wars: Episode VII” on Tuesday, but according to the Hollywood Reporter, director J.J. Abrams has yet to fill another major role, and it’s a female part.

No further details are known, but if it pans out, another substantial female character would likely be welcomed by the outspoken segment of “Star Wars” fans who have taken issue with the dearth of women in the previous six movies and in the cast of “Episode VII,” the first installment of a planned trilogy.

So far, Ridley’s cast mates include John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson and Max von Sydow, as well as “Star Wars” veterans Carrie Fisher (the only other woman yet announced for “Episode VII”), Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker.

Other actresses whose names have been in the “Star Wars” rumor mill recently include Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o and unknown British actress Maisie Richardson-Sellers.

“Episode VII,” which is set to open Dec. 18, 2015, begins principal photography in London soon, so further casting news, if there is any, could be imminent.

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@ogettell