"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has only been in cinemas for a few days, but fans are already scouring the Internet for any news they can find regarding "Star Wars: Episode VIII."
It's been a decade since the last "Star Wars" film was released, and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" marks the first of another trilogy in the franchise.
Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm and a producer of the epic space opera, spoke to Bang Showbiz about the eight installment when she attended the European premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." According to the Daily Mail, Kennedy confirmed casting for the sequel, saying, "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."
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" stars Daisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, Lupita Nyong'o as Maz Kanata, Andy Serkis as Supreme Leader Snoke and Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux. "Star Wars" veterans Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill also reprise their iconic roles as Han Solo, Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker.
The script for "Star Wars: Episode VIII" has also been finished and it is apparently something to look forward to. Ridley spoke to Variety about the sequel and commented that the script is "very good."
But it looks like fans will have to wait a couple of years before they can see the next installment. "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is scheduled to be released on May 26, 2017. The new trilogy's conclusion, "Star Wars: Episode IX," on the other hand, is set for a 2019 premiere.
Rian Johnson has reportedly been hired as the eighth episode's writer and director, which will be no easy task. Johnson has previously directed a few episodes of "Breaking Bad," as well as the sci-fi action thriller film, "Looper."
Fans of the fantasy film franchise will surely be in for a world of excitement over the next four years or so.
