Rumors have begun to spread in the past month that Lupita Nyong'o was not going to reprise her role as the mysterious Maz Kanata in "Star Wars Episode VIII." However, the actress has confirmed that she has filmed her scenes and that she is likely going to be featured in the film.
Speaking on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" the actress outright debunked the rumor, further indicating that her character would play a pivotal role in the series. Many fans have speculated her character is the sequel trilogy's replacement for Yoda, who was also a wise and old alien character prior to his death.
"I don't know where this rumor came from. I have no idea. It hurt my feelings," she stated. "I shot my scenes, it's coming out — you never really know when you shoot your scenes in a movie, which ones are gonna make it and all that. So, it's always 'fingers crossed,' you know? But as far as I know, I'm in it."
Maz Kanata is not the only character tying the franchise back to the original trilogy as a leaked video, courtesy of Making Star Wars, showcases the set built to represent the planet Ahch-To, which is where Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) resides and is the home of the first generation of Jedi.
The video reveals several huts that look poorly cobbled together and it is hinted that Luke may have taken a cue from the home of Yoda on the planet Dagobah. Both houses look round in shape and very basic, and while it is presumed that it just might be a Jedi way of making homes, it might just be Luke's rough efforts of building a place to live on.
While the houses are similar it does not immediately mean Yoda will make an appearance or be referenced in the film.
"Star Wars Episode VIII" will release in theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.
