'Star Wars' Episode 8 Release Date Revealed, As Rian Johnson Takes Over As Director
Leaked trailers and spoilers aside, the release date of "Star Wars" episode 8 is shaping up to be another blockbuster in the making.
Following the massive success of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the eight installment in the intergalactic space opera is set to premier on May 26, 2017, Den of Geek reported.
"Looper" director Rian Johnson will be taking over the helm from JJ Abrams who has been given major credit for bringing back to life the well-loved sci-fri franchise.
The film's showrunner Kathleen Kennedy revealed that principal photography for the film will begin this month.
"We're excited to get back together," Kennedy said. "We start shooting Episode VIII in January..."
"...we've been prepping the movie for the last year and Rian Johnson has been doing an amazing job," she continued. "So we'll probably find out a lot more about the cast and story then."
According to the Wall Street Journal, "Star Wars" Episode 8, whose release date is no longer a tightly guarded secret, will reportedly star Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, John Boyega and Andy Serkis.
Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac and Benicio Del Toro are also rumored to be included in the film.
"Star Wars" episode 8 is speculated to pick up from where "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" left off.
Kaylo Ren (Driver) is supposedly completing his training with Supreme Leader Snoke (Serkis), as General Hux rallies the First Order following the destruction of Starkiller Base.
On the other hand, Finn (Boyega) is reportedly recovering from the injuries he sustained in "The Force Awakens," as the Resistance looks to press forward after the devastation of the New Republic.
In an interview with Vogue online, Boyega praised the film's script, saying, "It's great. Much darker, but we're very excited," http://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/2016/01/john-boyega-interview-star-wars-finn-actor
Revealing the release date of "Star Wars" episode 8 may have been a big gamble, but this calculated move is expected to pay off, with or without a leaked trailer.