Back when Disney acquired LucasFilm and the rights to their films, most of the attention went to the upcoming "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens." However, "Episode VIII" is already moving forward with "Looper" director Rian Johnson at the helm, and a new report states that actor Donnie Yen has been tapped to play a Jedi.
According to Hong Kong tabloid Apple Daily, Yen has landed the role of a Jedi who befriends Harrison Ford's Han Solo and the rest of the Resistance in their fight against the First Order. The report goes so far as to claim that Yen is scheduled to fly to London next month to shoot his scenes for the film.
In a report from Cinema Blend, it is hinted that this new Jedi character may have more than just a quick cameo in the film. The report cites that Yen beat his peers for the role, reportedly including famous action stars such as Jet Li, Tony Leung, Stephen Chow, and Wang Leehom. Disney and LucasFilm must have been looking for someone to take on a substantial role if they had to go through such a rigorous casting process.
The report from Cinema Blend does point out that the original source of the news, Apple Daily, is rather questionable. Not only is it a local tabloid, but the mention of Han Solo in "Episode VIII" brings some doubt. One prevalent rumor is that the old "Star Wars" characters such as Han Solo and Luke Skywalker will die in "The Force Awakens," making it impossible for Yen's Jedi to ever meet Solo, unless they had known each other prior to the events in the film.
Yen is known for his kung fu action flicks such as "Ip Man" and "Once Upon a Time in China II." He will be reprising his role as Yip Man, a legendary Wing Chun master and mentor to Bruce Lee, in "Ip Man 3."
"Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" opens on Dec. 18 and "Star Wars Episode VIII" will hit theaters on May 26, 2017.
