Disney Films recently announced that Oscar nominated actress Felicity Jones will portray a major role in the planned stand-alone "Star Wars" spin-off movie. 

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news about Jones' participation as the female lead in the upcoming "Star Wars" stand-alone spin-off that will be helmed by "Godzilla" director Gareth Edwards. Jones reportedly beat "Orphan Black" star Tatiana Maslany and Rooney Mara from "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" for the role after several character readings that were held in the U.S. and the U.K. 

The planned spin-off that Edwards will direct is said to be one of the three upcoming "Star Wars" stand-alone films that will be released after this year's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," directed by JJ Abrams. The second spin-off will allegedly be headed by "Fantastic Four" director Josh Tank. 

Although there are no confirmed news about plot of the spin-off film, Wales Online speculates that the story will focus on a troupe composed of intergalactic bounty hunters. A young Princess Leia is reportedly one of them, which could mean that Jones may portray that coveted role. 

Rumors also claim that "Wrath of the Titans" actor Aaron Ramirez and "Breaking Bad" star Aaron Paul are vying to get the role of the male lead. 

If speculations turn out to be accurate, the "Star Wars" spin-off movie will be shown on Dec. 16, 2016. 

Meanwhile, Jones is presently busy attending different award shows after being nominated for the Best Actress category for her role as Jane Hawking in the critically acclaimed film "The Theory of Everything." She acted as the first wife of the controversial physicist Stephen Hawking. 

The 31-year-old actress also shared the screen with Jonah Hill and James Franco in the Sundance released film "True Story." She is also currently working with Toby Kebbell and Liam Neeson in a family fantasy flick titled "A Monster Calls."