Two months ago today, Disney CEO Robert A. Iger revealed that production has started on Star Wars: Episode VIII, which has been set for release on December 15, 2017. Just a few days later, the full cast was announced, including new cast members Benicio Del Toro, Academy Award nominee Laura Dern, and talented newcomer Kelly Marie Tran. Over the weekend, John Boyega was on hand to introduce the Star Wars: The Force Awakens behind-the-scenes documentary Secrets of the Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey at a special U.K. screening, where he teased that the "lead" of Star Wars: Episode VIII is none other than Kelly Marie Tran.

Unfortunately, we don't know who exactly she's playing, but it seems her character is much more important than we originally believed. LucasFilm and Disney haven't divulged any plot details thus far, so it's difficult to try and figure out who Kelly Marie Tran is playing, and how she fits into the Star Wars universe at large. One thing is for certain, though: the actress' role in Star Wars: Episode VIII is the biggest in her career thus far.

The actress has previously appeared in episodes of CollegeHumor Originals, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Ladies Like Us, Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street and About a Boy. She has also starred in a number of short films, along with the upcoming feature XOXO, alongside Sarah Hyland, Hayley Kiyoko and Ryan Hansen, which doesn't have a release date set at this time. Hopefully we'll learn more about her character as production continues on Star Wars: Episode VIII.

Star Wars: Episode VIII is written and directed by Rian Johnson. This highly anticipated sequel continues the storylines introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Coming back are cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John BoyegaOscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis. The movie currently has the December 15, 2017 release date all to itself.

Are you surprised that Kelly Marie Tran has the lead role in Star Wars: Episode VIII? We know the story will pick up directly after the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, where Rey (Daisy Ridley) met the reclusive Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) for the first time. Do you have any theories about who Kelly Marie Tran is playing? Chime in with your thoughts below.