Michael B. Jordan auditions for Star Wars 7

Former The Wire star Michael B. Jordan is in the running for a role in the forthcoming Star Wars sequel after confirming he has auditioned for J.J. Abrams' new film.

The actor reveals he took advantage of his relationship with franchise creator George Lucas, who he met while making 2012 war film Red Tails, and landed a chance to try out for an unspecified part in the highly-anticipated Star Wars: Episode 7, which is set to be directed by Abrams.

Jordan, who is also in talks to play the Human Torch in Josh Trank's Fantastic Four reboot, tells the Associated Press, "I mean, everybody's going in on this project. They're trying to figure out what they want. That's another incredible franchise. It's pretty crazy!

"We'll see how it happens. I don't know how I can do everything."

Jordan, who recently gained critical acclaim for his role in independent drama Fruitvale Station, isn't the only young star hoping to become part of the Star Wars family - Irish actress Saoirse Ronan revealed last week (ends04Oct13) that she had met with casting directors, but had been banned from discussing details about the project.

The 19 year old said producers would "chop off my head with a lightsaber" if she shared anything about the sequel.

Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford are expected to return to the franchise as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo, while Alex Pettyfer, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ryan Gosling, Leonardo DiCaprio, Florence Welch and Chloe Grace Moretz have also been linked to the cast.