'Rogue One' release date, cast news: Valene Kane confirmed to play Jyn Erso's mother

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" stars Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso, a member of the Rebel Alliance who steals the Death Star plans and launches the events that take place in "Star Wars: A New Hope." It has now been revealed that her mother shall be played by Valene Kane.

According to the Belfast Live podcast (via Screen Rant), "The Fall" actress has been cast as Lyra Erso. However, the actress is four years younger than Jones, and it is speculated that she is only going to appear in flashback sequences or in a prologue which takes place a few years prior to the main events of the movie.

Her husband, Galen (Mads Mikkelsen) will appear in the present day. It is widely speculated that this means Lyra may have been killed in the war between the Empire and the Rebels, which may be the reason Galen joined the Empire. It is unknown if he was forced to do so or if he did so willingly, but Galen is noted as one of the main engineers for the Death Star.

"I grew up watching Stars Wars and I didn't believe it was happening until I was filming in Iceland. It has a really edgy independent vibe," Kane herself stated about her landing the role. The actress did not further divulge how big of a role her character will have to the film's plot and the events that will unfold.

The actress has not been seen in any of the trailers yet, but she may make her first appearance in the final trailer, which, a report from Star Wars News reveals, will be attached to the theatrical release of "Doctor Strange." The information was shared by Walt Disney Russia's marketing director, Elena Brodskaya.

"Doctor Strange" hits theaters on Nov. 4, roughly a month before the release of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," which will premiere on Dec. 16.

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