Rumor: Jesse Plemons Eyed for Star Wars Villain Role

Shawn Levy’s upcoming Star Wars film will reportedly feature Jesse Plemons in a major villain role, according to a recent claim by an industry insider. While unconfirmed, the report has fueled speculation about Plemons joining the galaxy far, far away, potentially as an original antagonist in the post-Skywalker saga era.

Breaking Bad’s Jesse Plemons could play a Star Wars villain

According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, Lucasfilm offered Jesse Plemons the role of a Star Wars villain, although the studio has not officially confirmed it. The untitled film will introduce a new set of characters, separate from the Skywalker saga. With Ryan Gosling already cast, Plemons becomes the second actor linked to the project.

Plemons gained recognition for his roles in Breaking Bad, The Power of the Dog, Civil War, Black Mirror, and Kinds of Kindness. He portrayed Todd Alquist, a villain in Breaking Bad. Giancarlo Esposito, who played Gus Fring in the same series, later appeared as Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian. This offer marks the second time Lucasfilm has considered Plemons for a Star Wars role. He previously auditioned for a lead in Episode VII – The Force Awakens (via Huff Post).

Shawn Levy’s Star Wars project has been in development for several years and has gained momentum with recent casting developments. Previously, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy told Deadline in February that the film is set “post [Episode IX], maybe five or six years out,” and will be a standalone story with “pretty much new characters.”

She added, “We may bring some of the characters back from the sequel saga, but pretty much new characters.” Writer Jonathan Tropper confirmed they are actively working on the project. Lucasfilm expects to release the film in theaters in 2027, though they have not announced a specific date.

They have not revealed any plot details, and it remains unclear whether Plemons’ character will be an original creation or drawn from existing lore.