"Star Wars: Episode 8" is currently in production under the direction of Rian Johnson. It will see returning cast members from "The Force Awakens." but it also stars Academy Award-nominee Laura Dern, Academy Award-winner Benicio del Toro, and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran. Details about their characters have now emerged.
Making Star Wars, a site popular for accurate leaks regarding the franchise's movies and television series, has revealed that Benicio del Toro's character is referred to as a man in black. This character is also being described not necessarily as a villain but more like the scheming anti-hero Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams).
SlashFilm points out that the actor did state he was a villain, but then denied these statements later on. The actor then explained that it depends on how people interpret the script. It is heavily speculated that he will be connected to an intergalactic casino.
Laura Dern's character, on the other hand, is described as a fancy aristocrat with an elaborate dress and pink hair styled in a unique manner. It is described that this would be a look reminiscent of the prequel films and has even been compared to the hairstyles and fashion seen in "The Hunger Games."
It is rumored she will portray a political figure that may be working for the New Republic or a new rival to General Leia (Carrie Fisher).
Kelly Marie Tran is a newcomer to the industry and to the "Star Wars" franchise. Her character is described as the exact opposite of Laura Dern's character. She is described as a very "normal looking but cool" character, who is said to have ties to Finn (John Boyega).
No promotional trailer has been released for the film as of writing, and the official title is still a mystery. It is expected that Lucasfilm and Disney will begin promoting the movie more once "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" releases this December.
"Star Wars: Episode 8" is scheduled to premiere on Dec. 15, 2017.
