Ben Mendelsohn tipped for 'Star Wars' spin-off role

The Australian actor who has carved out a niche as the go-to guy for psychopathic, unhinged, malevolent and yet likeable characters in everything from "Killing Me Softly" to "The Dark Knight Rises," has been linked to a major role in "Star Wars: Rogue One," according to The Wrap.

The film, one of a number of spin-offs planned since Disney secured the rights to the George Lucas sci-fi franchise, stars UK actress Felicity Jones ("The Theory of Everything") and will be directed by Gareth Edwards (who most recently helmed the 2014 "Godzilla" reboot).

Filming is yet to commence but the movie is expected to land in cinemas in December 2016.