Los Angeles, Jan 9 (IANS): While "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is trying to set more box office records, the eighth episode of the series may see actress Bel Powley joining the cast.

Praised for her performance in the 2015 drama "The Diary of a Teenage Girl" starring Kristen Wiig and Alexander Skarsgard, Powley is believed to be in contention for a lead role in the eighth episode, reports aceshowbiz.com.

English actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw was previously rumoured to be eyed for the role, which is being said as a "pivotal character."

Since the role is kept secret, fans have yet to know what kind of relationship this character has with other new characters who appear in "The Force Awakens" like Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).

Powley and Mbatha-Raw are not the only candidates to play the said role.

It was previously reported that "Orphan Black" star Tatiana Maslany was in contention for the part, joining Gina Rodriguez ("Jane the Virgin") and Olivia Cooke ("Me & Earl & the Dying Girl").

Neither Disney nor Lucasfilm has confirmed those reports. Directed by Rian Johnson, "Episode VIII" will release in US on May 26, 2017.