Tech

Here's everything we know so far about 'Star Wars: Episode VIII'

Sidney Fussell

2016-01-12T18:57:00Z

poe dameron bb8 star wars — Poe (Oscar Isaac) and BB-8. Lucasfilm

Careful: There are spoilers for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" below!

Although "The Force Awakens" came out less than a month ago, fans are already looking forward to the next entry in the saga.

Details are scarce on the still untitled sequel, but some key information has slowly begun trickling out.

Here's what we know:

The film's release date is December 15, 2017.

Originally slated for a May 26, 2017 release date, Disney recently pushed back the film to December 15, 2017.

The first teaser trailer for "The Force Awakens" debuted just over a year before its release. Hopefully, we'll get our first glimpse of Episode VIII with "Star Wars" standalone film "Rogue One" this December.

It's being directed by Rian Johnson.

If you're not familiar with Johnson's work, he's the mind behind 2005's critic favorite "Brick." You're probably more familiar with his time-traveling film "Looper."

He also directed a few episodes of "Breaking Bad," including what may be the series' most polarizing episode "Fly."

The script is finished and filming has already begun.

star wars the force awakens chewbacca harrison ford han solo

Filming has already begun on Skellig Michael, where Rey encountered Luke at the end of the film.

The script is finished and J.J. Abrams, who directed "The Force Awakens," said he loved the finished script so much he "regrets" not directing it himself.

Unlike "The Force Awakens," "Episode VIII" will be radically different from the original trilogy.

rey finn bb 8 star wars the force awakens international trailer

While Episode VII is a box-office megahit, some fans criticized the film for being too similar to the 1977 original "Star Wars: A New Hope." Even George Lucas called it "too retro."

Screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan told the L.A. times "[director Rian Johnson is] going to make some weird thing. If you've seen Rian's work, you know it's not going be like anything that's ever been in 'Star Wars.'"

A new female lead is expected to be introduced.

Three actresses are reportedly in the running for the female lead for "Episode VIII."

Gina Rodriguez, pictured above at the premiere of "The Force Awakens," is best known for her Golden Globe winning role on "Jane the Virgin." Tatiana Maslany, a Golden Globe nominee for her role on BBC America's "Orphan Black" and Olivia Cooke, a newcomer with roles in "Bates Motel" and "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" are also under consideration.

Phasma, Hux and Kylo Ren, survived the destruction of Starkiller Base.

While "The Force Awakens" didn't confirm whether Hux or Phasma survived the destruction of Starkiller Base (Phasma was last seen supposedly heading for the trash compactor), the leaders of the First Order will return in the next film.

Kathleen Kennedy confirmed the main cast will return alongside "a handful of new cast members." In addition, Captain Phasma will have an expanded role in Episode VIII. "She's an important character, a baddie in the best sense of the word," Kennedy told the L.A. Times while talking about the larger role women have in the sequel trilogy.

John Boyega told Vogue his role in the next film is much more "physical." Will Phasma seek revenge against the wayward FN-2187?

Benicio Del Toro has signed on for a major role.

Benicio Del Toro is confirmed for a major role in Episode VIII. Empire reported he told Spanish news site Rac1, "I'm like the villian, but we'll see..." possibly hinting at a more complicated story arc for his character.

While he's tight-lipped on the role, he has said director Rian Johnson will bring a "cool sci-fi realism" to the film.

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