Exclusive: Anakin Casting News

A slight chink appeared recently in the air of mystery surrounding casting for the pivotal role of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II. On the set of his latest movie, The Smiling Suicide Club (a dark tale of life and love inside a mental institution), Jonathan Jackson - star of American soap General Hospital - accidentally revealed to Empire Online that he was meeting with George Lucas this month, to discuss the part. Initially dismissing previous internet speculation on the subject as 'rumours, just rumours', the 17-year-old then let slip by adding: 'I don't know where this stuff comes from. It's all nonsense, I mean I haven't even met with George Lucas... yet.' Once the cat was out of its proverbial bag, however, the actor - who is a relative newcomer in this country - did confirm plans to meet with Lucas in LA to discuss the project. Asked whether he wanted the role of not Jackson said; 'Well yeah, of course I'll take it, if I'm offered - who wouldn't!'