'Star Wars: Episode VIII' is in production

Posted Monday, February 15, 2016 at 8:45 AM Central

by John Couture

Normally, we don't post stories when films go into production because it literally happens every single day, but when you are the sequel the largest grossing film of all time and a Star Wars film, you get special treatment. Oh, and there's a video.

Not content to sit back on its laurels and bask in the glory of The Force Awakens, which pardon the pun is still a force to be reckoned with at the box office, Disney released a quick video with the first footage from Star Wars: Episode VIII this morning. The message was quick and to the point, Episode VIII is now in production.

The footage consists of director Rian Johnson yelling cut and a continuation of the scene at the end of The Force Awakens between Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley. The footage is from the Skellig Michael, the distinctive Irish island standing in for whatever exotic locale Luke Skywalker has retreated to, and was shot late last year.

Today's announcement also came with cast confirmations that almost everyone from The Force Awakens is returning, with the notable exception of Harrison Ford, which if you haven't seen the movie might be a bit of a spoiler, but honestly, if you haven't seen the movie by now, you can't really get angry about a spoiler.

One notable cast addition was confirmed when long-rumored Benicio Del Toro was indeed listed as part of the cast for Episode VIII. Additionally, the biggest surprise of the announcement was the inclusion of Laura Dern in the film. I haven't seen her name floated about anywhere and that gives me hope that Disney can still maintain some mystery as we approach the film's December 15, 2017 release date.

Relative unknown Kelly Marie Tran was also announced as joining the cast in an as yet unknown role.