Jesse Plemons and Ed Speleers shortlisted for lead role in Star Wars: Episode VII

Breaking Bad star Jesse Plemons and Downton Abbey's Ed Speleers are among the actors who have been shortlisted to play the lead role in Star Wars: Episode Vii.

Ray Fisher and British actors John Boyega and Matthew James Thomas are also being considered to take on the role of a young Jedi apprentice in the much-anticipated movie, according to Variety.com.

The film was originally supposed to focus on the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, but the characters have reportedly been moved to supporting roles.

Director J.J. Abrams is scheduled to begin production on the project in London later this year (14), with the film hitting theatres in 2015.

Irish actress Saoirse Ronan and Michael B. Jordan previously confirmed they have auditioned for roles in the blockbuster and reports suggest Carrie Fisher will return as Princess Leia.