Jonathan Rhys Meyers has been tipped for a role in the new Star Wars sequel directed by JJ Abrams.

The Irishman, who is best known for playing the role of Henry VIII in TV series “The Tudors”, could well be appearing in “Star Wars Episode VII” which is scheduled for release in 2015.

If Meyers gets the part in the upcoming sequel, he will follow in the footsteps of fellow Irishman Liam Neeson who played Gui-Gon Jinn in “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace”.

Episode VII is expected to follow on on from 1983’s “Return of the Jedi”, writes the Herald, and is rumored to feature the return of many of the original cast such as Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia and Harrison Ford as Han Solo.

JJ Abrams, who has previously directed Meyers in “Mission Impossible III”, will direct this seventh installment of the “Star Wars” franchise.