'Take That,' Disney: Gary Barlow Cast In 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'

It isn't even April 1st, but boy do we have a #StarWars story for you. If you thought Katie Price appearing in Sharknado 5 was the strangest casting of 2017, you ain't read nothing yet. With #Disney's Star Wars: The Last Jedi well underway, the already bulging cast list is about to be joined by #GaryBarlow — yes, that's right, Take That's Gary Barlow. In other news, Robbie Williams is set to play Moneypenny in a rebooted James Bond franchise.

#TheLastJedi comes to screens in December this year and will feature a final appearance of the late, great Carrie Fisher, and reunite the rest of the gang. Alongside other newcomers like Kellie Marie Tran and Laura Dern, #RianJohnson has somehow shoehorned in some form of Grand Moff Barlow, a.k.a. Darth Tax Evader, cameo.

Relightsaber My Fire

Speaking on ITV's The Lorraine Show, Barlow confirmed his appearance, which had first been teased last year when The Sun claimed he had filmed a secret cameo at Pinewood. Ready to pop out his lightsaber, Barlow's lips were sealed about who he would play in a galaxy far, far, away, saying, "I'm not a stormtrooper, but I am in it." The news may well explain why Take That won't be touring for their 25th anniversary — Barlow will presumably be too busy attending Comic Cons and signing autographs with his Yoda pen.

Also, note the "not being a stormtrooper" bit, meaning that Barlow won't be performing another Daniel Craig Easter Egg appearance. However, it is doubtful that Barlow will have a large part, and will most likely appear in a similar vein to Simon Pegg's portrayal of Unkar Plutt.

Rule The World (And The Empire)

For those still struggling to get their heads around the news, you aren't alone!

This won't be the 46-year-old Barlow's first foray into acting, having appeared in Keith Lemon: The Film and having a stint on rural TV show Heartbeat. Barlow is also no stranger to a life in front of the lens, but will swap TV studios for film studios. The Take That frontman starred as a judge on the UK version of Simon Cowell's X-Factor, as well as rival reality show Let It Shine.

Lucasfilm is notoriously against such spoilery news, and Barlow knows he will likely be Force-choked by Rian Johnson long before Episode VIII graces our screens:

"Now I've said that, I'll probably be out. I think the Star Wars people are so strict about what information [is out there]. So me saying that, I've probably just done myself out of a role."

Starring alongside the likes of Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, and Benicio del Toro, the singer isn't exactly known for his Hollywood credentials, while there is still no news on that elusive Tom Hardy cameo *swoon*. It looks like Barlow is one with the Force, which could be a great name for a solo album. If all else fails, at least he could sing the theme tune Adele-style.