'Star Wars: Episode 8' cast news: Captain Phasma, General Hux to return

Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) returns in 'Star Wars: Episode 8.' Walt Disney Pictures

Two leaders from the First Order are confirmed to return in "Star Wars: Episode VIII," recent reports revealed.

Collider reported that British actress Gwendoline Christie confirmed during the Screen Actors Guild Award that her character Captain Phasma will return in the next installment of the epic "Star Wars" franchise.

"I will be in the next 'Star Wars' movie," the "Game of Thrones" actress said. "I think that's an exclusive, actually."

Christie also talked about how she felt when she was cast as the very first female villain in the epic saga.

"I was very overexcited. I made no secret of the fact that I really campaigned for the part for a long time. And then I was delighted when J.J. Abrams wanted to have me in the film and then wanted to cast me in this role that had originally been designed for a man," the actress shared.

The 37-year-old actress also talked about her character's very shiny Stormtrooper costume, saying that Captain Phasma's attire is very striking. She also admitted that she liked the idea of being a female Stormtrooper because it provides a feeling of inspired diversity. She also hopes that it will start to provide more casting opportunities for actresses.

Meanwhile, "Star Wars: Episode VIII" director Rian Johnson also confirmed that Domhnall Gleeson's character General Hux will also return in the upcoming film.

Johnson made the announcement by posting Hux's photo as a reply to a fan's question on Twitter, asking if any redheads will be included in the next movie.

Aside from Captain Phasma and General Hux, early reports mentioned that C3-PO will also be present in "Star Wars: Episode VIII," according to a teaser tweeted by actor Anthony Daniels in late January. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega also revealed via their personal social media accounts that they will reprise their roles as Rey and Finn, respectively.

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" will be released on Dec. 15, 2017.

News
Is New Zealand experiencing its own 'Quiet Revival'?
Is New Zealand experiencing its own 'Quiet Revival'?

The so-called “Quiet Revival” report by the Bible Society noting an upsurge in Christianity among young people in the U.K. is also seen to an extent among young New Zealanders, according to a report by Baptists. 

Worship leader Ron Kenoly dies at 81
Worship leader Ron Kenoly dies at 81

Ron Kenoly, a pioneering Christian worship leader whose anthems helped shape modern praise music and whose ministry emphasized worship as service rather than performance, has died. He was 81.

Petition launched to ensure single-sex changing rooms in NHS
Petition launched to ensure single-sex changing rooms in NHS

Wes Streeting has been dragging his feet on the issue.

Evangelical leader resigns canon title over controversial same-sex blessings
Evangelical leader resigns canon title over controversial same-sex blessings

Attempts to reconsider the use of the controversial prayers were rebuffed.