Be sure to study Lil' Jake's performance carefully!

Casting for Episode II's key role begins in January. Do you have what it takes?

November 8, 1999

So, you want to be Anakin Skywalker, eh? Well, get in line, and be prepared to wait until January 2000.

There's a little memo floating around that describes what Lucasfilm is looking for in Star Wars: Episode II's leading man: "19 years old. Self-determined, extremely intelligent and forthright...should resemble Jake Lloyd..." According to USA Today, "Lucasfilm says the memo is real, sort of." Apparently, it appeared in a confidential industry newsletter (unearthed by one of those wily, Internet spies, no doubt!) and was simply meant as a heads-up to casting agents.

According to a statement on the official Star Wars site, Lucasfilm has been "inundated by calls and mailings regarding casting for Episode II, both from people who want to know what actors have been considered for roles, and from people who want a role themselves in the new movie." Robin Gurland, the casting director, will not be interviewing candidates for the role until the end of January 2000.

So, still think you have what it takes? Still think you're a better match for the role than Leo, Ryan, Joshua, James, or whatever "hot" name's being bandied around this week? First, get yourself some professional acting experience. As the statement goes on to say, "Robin cannot accept unsolicited head shots, resumes, tapes or phone inquiries. The submissions must come through an accredited agent or agency. All the actors who worked on Episode I, even the ones sometimes referred to by the public as 'unknown', are professionals in the field, and all work with an agent. In addition, please note that since George Lucas is not involved in the first stages of the casting process, no submissions should be sent to him."

A spokeswoman for Lucasfilm echoed this sentiment, telling USA Today: "We are not able to consider casting people who do not have professional acting experience and who do not have an agent." In other words, your critically-acclaimed turn in the high school production of Our Town ain't gonna cut it.

If you actually have all of these qualifications, photos and resumes should be sent via an agent to: Lucasfilm Ltd., c/o Robin Gurland, P.O. Box 2009, San Rafael, CA 94912. Good luck and may the...oh, forget it.

Is it you? Are you the perfect Anakin? Please don't send us any resumes, but feel free to ask a question about this story or send us your opinion on it, and be sure to check in later for the responses!

For the latest news on all things Star Wars, be sure to check out our affiliate TheForce.net.

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