Judi Dench Linked to ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’

Judi Dench has played the role of M in James Bond’s Skyfall, which she’s now retired from, but her performance seemed to capture the attention of Star Wars director J.J. Abrams.

It is rumored that Dench may portray Mon Mothma, the rebel leader who coordinated the assault on the second Death Star in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. The rumor will not be confirmed until Disney or Lucasfilm announce it.

Caroline Blakiston playing Mon Mothma in “Return of the Jedi”

Abrams confirmed that the script for Star Wars Episode VII is now completed and is now in preparation for casting. Abrams will begin shooting the film in May 2014, with a scheduled release date of December 18, 2015.