After years of waiting, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" fulfilled what "Star Wars" fans had been dreaming about—a film that stays true to the original trilogy while exploring storylines connected to new characters.
It has been almost two months since the movie premiered in cinemas worldwide, but the film continues to be a hit as it was reported last week that "The Force Awakens" has earned over $2 billion worldwide, only the third film in history to hit the milestone after "Titanic" and "Avatar."
As a result, expectations are high for the next installment, which will be helmed by Rian Johnson. According to Cinemablend, director J.J. Abrams will be staying on as an executive producer and creative consultant, and this ensures that fans will be getting more stories about new characters Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).
Not much is known at the moment about the upcoming film, but it was reported that Johnson has written the script for "Episode VIII", although details about the plot have yet to be revealed.
As for the cast, while "Episode VII" brought back original characters Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), there are rumors that a character from the prequel trilogy will be seen in the next installment.
According to Screenrant, the rumor was reported by Kristian Harloff of "Schmoes Know" and "Collider Jedi Council." On Monday, Feb. 8, Harloff tweeted, "Grain of salt. Hearing that Ewan McGregor in talks to play Obi Force ghost in Episode 8."
McGregor played a young Obi-Wan Kenobi in the prequels. Screenrant says that this casting move may be something that Lucasfilm would go for, and McGregor previously expressed his enthusiasm about rejoining the franchise. It was previously revealed that Abrams brought in McGregor to record a line for "The Force Awakens," and McGregor said that he has been waiting for the call inviting him to the sequel trilogy "for two years."
Speaking with Jimmy Kimmel, McGregor told the late night talk show host that he was called by Abrams, asking him to be a part of "Episode 7" where Obi-Wan Kenobi's voice can be heard "coming from the distant reaches of the Force." The casting rumor has yet to be confirmed or denied.
"Star Wars 8" premieres on Dec. 15, 2017.
