'Star Wars Episode 9' plot and cast rumors: Benicio del Toro hints at role

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Actor Benicio del Toro is currently in Spain promoting his new film "A Perfect Day," but while speaking to local radio station RAC1 as translated by StarWars7News, he also confirmed that he will be playing a villain in "Star Wars."

When asked if he was scheduled to shoot another film, the actor explained that his next project is "Star Wars," although he did not specify if it is "Episode VIII" to be directed by Rian Johnson. Given, however, that both "Rogue One" and "Episode VII: The Force Awakens" have already hit production, "Episode VIII" is the most logical film he will be filming scenes for. 

According to del Toro, production for the "Star Wars" film that he will be included in will start in March next year, although this might be solely his schedule as production may begin earlier to film scenes where he is not needed. 

When asked what his role in the film will be, del Toro was a bit more cautious with his reply, saying, "They don't let me talk too much about it, I'm like the villain." 

According to StarWars7News, the words he actually stated were "el como el villano" which translates to "he is like the villain" instead of directly saying "es el villano" or "he is the villain." This could be an indication that the actor was avoiding giving away crucial spoilers about the film or was simply reciting what the producers have told him about his role. 

According to a report from Screen Rant, his statement might mean that he is playing a bounty hunter, who isn't really a villain per se as he is not directly tied to the First Order except as a paid soldier whose sides may alter depending on who's handing out a higher paycheck. 

Benicio del Toro as the Collector in "Guardians of the Galaxy."Marvel Studios

His appearance on "Star Wars" won't be his only dip into the world of science-fiction films as the actor most recently appeared as the Collector in last year's "Guardians of the Galaxy." 

"Episode VIII" will hit theaters on May 26, 2017, with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opening this Dec. 18 and the Anthology film "Star Wars: Rogue One" opening on Dec. 16, 2016.