Academy Award-winning actor Benicio del Toro is reportedly the favorite to land the role of the main villain in the upcoming "Star Wars: Episode VIII."
At this point, del Toro landing the role is reportedly far from being a sure thing, but he is supposedly the frontrunner at the moment. Sources close to the casting process have indicated that del Toro's involvement in the film is still in the early part of being hammered out.
Although the casting process is still far from over, Gamespot reported that both Disney and Lucasfilm are very keen on having del Toro nab the important role. As of now, the exact name of the character del Toro would play has yet to be revealed.
Nabbing del Toro would allow Disney and Lucasfilm to land the A-list talent they are reportedly seeking for the role.
The actor has already won an Academy Award for his supporting role in the film, "Traffic," and he has also delivered critically-acclaimed performances in several other films.
Given the still uncertain status regarding del Toro's possible role in "Star Wars: Episode VIII," both Disney and Lucasfilm are reportedly still exploring other options, with Joaquin Phoenix also said to be in the running to be the main villain for the movie.
As of now, a decision regarding del Toro's role is not expected any time soon, especially given the fact that shooting for "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is not expected to begin until next year. The film itself is expected to come out on May 26, 2017, according to Polygon.
One important role for "Star Wars: Episode VIII" has been decided, as Rian Johnson has signed on to direct the film.
Fans looking for their "Star Wars" fix will get their fill over the next three years, with "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" expected to be released on Dec. 18, 2015 and "Star Wars: Rogue One" expected to come out on Dec. 16 of next year.
