Fresh from the highly anticipated opening of the "Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens" in theaters on Dec. 18, fans of the epic sci-fi saga are now eager to learn more about the next installments of the rebooted franchise.
During the European premiere of "The Force Awakens," producer Kathleen Kennedy shared significant information regarding the cast for "Episode 8."
"There will be a handful of new cast members in Episode VIII but also all the cast members you see here tonight will be in it as well," the film producer revealed in an interview with Evening Standard.
Kennedy did not specify the names of the returning actors in the film, but those who already saw the movie are wondering if Harrison Ford will also reprise his role as Han Solo.
[Spoiler Alert! Do not proceed if you have not seen the film.]
In "The Force Awakens," Han was killed by his own son Kylo Ren by stabbing him with a lightsaber. But since Kennedy said that everyone in the current cast lineup will return in the next installment of the film, it could mean that fans will still see him in one form or another.
Kennedy also mentioned that the production for "Episode 8" will start next month.
"We're excited to get back together. We start shooting Episode VIII in January, we've been prepping the movie for the last year and (writer-and-director) Rian Johnson has been doing an amazing job," the film producer said.
"Star Wars: Episode 8" is expected on hit the theaters in May 2017.
Meanwhile, details about the final installment of the rebooted "Star Wars" trilogy are still scarce at the moment. But "Star Wars: Episode 9" is not expected to come out until 2019. The actual release date has not been reported yet, but the film is believed to have a summer release.
