The next Star Wars film, currently titled Episode VIII, officially began production today, and to celebrate Disney has released a new behind-the-scenes video that picks up right where The Force Awakens left off -- amidst a startling confrontation between Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Rey (Daisy Ridley).
The moment then pushes back to show Episode VIII director Rian Johnson behind the camera this time instead of J.J. Abrams, revealing that he is the one filming the continuation of the scene that brings The Force Awakens to its conclusion.
Watch the video below.
Other things we learn in this production announcement include the new cast additions of Benicio Del Toro (who was rumored to be on board as the film's new villain), and Laura Dern. The two veterans will also be joined by newcomer Kelly Marie Tran.
So who are they all playing? We're not sure yet, so let the speculation begin. Right off the bat, we're looking at Laura Dern as a character who may hold a major key to unlocking Rey's past. Is she Rey's mom? Is she Luke's wife? What do you think?
Check out the full press release below. Star Wars Episode VIII hits theaters on December 15, 2017.
Rey took her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and will continue her epic journey with Finn, Poe and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the continuing Star Wars saga, Star Wars: Episode VIII, which began principal photography at Pinewood Studios in London on February 15, 2016.
Star Wars: Episode VIII, which is written and directed by Rian Johnson and continues the storylines introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, welcomes back cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie and Andy Serkis. New cast members will include Academy Award winner Benicio Del Toro, Academy Award nominee Laura Dern, and talented newcomer Kelly Marie Tran.
Star Wars: Episode VIII is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski. Joining the production crew will be some of the industry’s top talent, including Steve Yedlin (Director of Photography), Bob Ducsay (Editor), Rick Heinrichs (Production Designer), Peter Swords King (Hair and Make-Up Designer), and Mary Vernieu (US Casting Director). They will be joining returning crew members Pippa Anderson (Co-Producer, VP Post Production), Neal Scanlan (Creature & Droid FX Creative Supervisor), Michael Kaplan (Costume Designer), Jamie Wilkinson (Prop Master), Chris Corbould (SFX Supervisor), Rob Inch (Stunt Coordinator), Ben Morris (VFX Supervisor), and Nina Gold (UK Casting Director).
Star Wars: Episode VIII is scheduled for release December 15, 2017.
