Star Wars Episode VIII Begins Production, Teaser Released
by EG
Maybe it's a little too early to start looking forward to the sequel to Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, especially since The Force Awakens is still in theaters, but Disney would like you to take note that the sequel has begun production. An official announcement, along with a 34-second-long teaser, tries to get the anticipation started almost a full two years before the movie's scheduled release date.
The teaser offers very little in the way of footage from the new movie, apart from a very nice shot of Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker - something we didn't get in advance of The Force Awakens - and Daisy Ridley's Rey. The shot comes from the same setting as the scene that ends The Force Awakens, suggesting that the new movie will pick up, in general, where the previous one left off.
Some casting news from the Episode VII was announced this week, too. The new movie will feature Laura Dern in an unspecified role, and Benicio Del Toro, whose last Disney appearance was in Guardians of the Galaxy, will also join the cast. Relative newcomer Kelly Marie Tran will also be a new cast member.
Star Wars Episode VIII is set for release in December 2017. A prequel film, Star Wars: Rogue One, is scheduled for release in December 2016.