Felicity Jones lands lead in "Star Wars" stand-alone film

Felicity Jones has been tapped to take on the leading role in the "Star Wars" stand-alone film.

The Oscar-nominated actress is now in talks for the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Other actresses who were reportedly considered for the role included Rooney Mara and Tatiana Maslany.

The film is being directed by Gareth Edwards ("Godzilla"), and Chris Weitz was recently hired to write a new draft of the script, THR reports.

Plot details of the spinoff are being kept under wraps, but it does have a December 2016 release date. "Chronicle" director Josh Trank is also helming another planned stand-alone film set in the "Star Wars" universe.

It's unclear as of yet how these films will factor into "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," if at all. Fans will get to see that film when it hits theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.

Jones is among the contenders for best actress at this month's Academy Awards, nominated for her role in "The Theory of Everything."