By Ryan Rigley
While the rumors of Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher reprising their respective roles for the new "Star Wars" trilogy have yet to be confirmed, there have been several other names thrown into the mix as of late. Last week, Latino Review reported that Rachel Hurd-Wood ("Peter Pan") and Alex Pettyfer ("Magic Mike," "I Am Number Four") are both in the running to play key roles in the upcoming "Star Wars VII."
Obviously, neither actor has been officially cast yet. However, according to speculation, Hurd-Wood is up for the part of Princess Leia's daughter (who is said to be the main protagonist of the film) with Pettyfer possibly reading for the offspring of Luke Skywalker himself. That said, we can't help but wonder what other characters from the Star Wars Expanded Universe might be popping up on the silver screen. Take Mara Jade for example, the future wife of Luke Skywalker!
Who?
Raised as a servant to Emperor Palpatine, Mara Jade quickly becomes one of the Empire's greatest assets. Acting as Palpatine's personal assassin, she would often be tasked with slaying Rebels or corrupt Imperial officials at a moment's notice. Eventually, Mara Jade would even receive the highest caliber of force sensitivity training at the request of her Sith master.
After Palpatine's death, Mara Jade decides to leave the Galactic Empire and becomes one of the best smugglers in the entire Smuggler's Alliance. At one point, she was even up for becoming their new leader. However, Mara Jade instead chooses to focus on her force training where she soon realizes that she's in love with Luke Skywalker. Subsequently, the two get married and eventually Mara Jade Skywalker even becomes an esteemed member of the Jedi High Council.
Why?
Not only is Mara Jade the mother of Luke Skywalker's son, Ben, but she's also played a crucial part in both the First and Second Galactic Civil Wars. Not to mention the fact that she's served under the likes of Emperor Palpatine, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Lando Calrissian, and, of course, Luke Skywalker. Obviously, Mara Jade is a multi-layered Star Wars character that deserves her moment in the spotlight.
How?
Given the fact that Mara Jade started off as a servant to Emperor Palpatine, it would make complete sense if we were introduced to her character as an antagonist in "Star Wars VII." Then, over the course of the new "Star Wars" trilogy, we would see her being forced to interact more and more with Luke, under the command of Grand Admiral Thrawn, and witness firsthand how their relationship evolves from mutual respect into full-blown Jedi love.
