We've just discovered yet another cast member of Lucasfilm's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Valene Kane has revealed she has a very important role related to Jyn Erso.
We know Mads Mikkelsen wasn't shy about dropping Rogue One secrets. In fact, he was the one who let slip he was playing Jyn's father, Galen Erso. But now we know Valene Kane, who played Rose Stagg in the British crime drama The Fall, is playing another Erso.
Belfast Live writes the actor “admits she was stunned after landing an out of this world role in the new Star Wars film. The Co Down actor will play Lyra Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, directed by Gareth Edwards.”
Lyra Erso huh?
While she didn't give any specifics to Belfast Live, many have assumed Lyra is Jyn's mother. If true, it's likely Lyra's scenes will be flashbacks as Kane is 29 while Felicity Jones is 32. We already know Jyn was on her own since she was fifteen, her father Galen presumably undercover somewhere and feeding information to the Rebels. I think it's safe to theorize there will be tragedy involved in Lyra's story. If she doesn't turn out to be Jyn's mother then perhaps sister?
WARNING – possible ROGUE ONE SPOILERS ahead!
Nowhere else have I seen Lyra called Jyn's mother except for an unconfirmed synopsis from the yet-to-be-released novel Catalyst, a prequel book by James Luceno. Here's how it reads:
War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine”s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic”s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.
Galen”s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic”s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor”s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic”s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.
Regardless, the role is pretty exciting for Kane who told Belfast Live she “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.”
(via ComicBook.com)