Variety reports Keri Russell (The Americans) is joining the cast of Star Wars: Episode IX.

Russell played the titular Felicity in director JJ Abrams' television series in the late nineties. An era that saw The WB network redefine US teen drama with Buffy, Dawson's Creek, Roswell and Felicity.

Abrams is writing and directing the final instalment in the Star Wars sequel trilogy and rumours are rife Russell may play Rey's (Daisy Ridley) mother. The last time they worked together was on Mission Impossible: III and the role calls for "action-heavy fight scenes."

Episode IX is expected to start filming at the end of the month with actors Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver expected to reprise their roles.

Star Wars: Episode IX will be in cinemas 20th December 2019.