Rey took her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Now she will continue her epic journey with Finn, Poe, and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the continuing Star Wars saga, Star Wars: Episode VIII. Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed that principal photography has officially begun at Pinewood Studios in London on February 15, 2016.
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 Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis. New cast members will include Academy Award winner Benicio Del Toro, Academy Award nominee Laura Dern, and talented newcomer Kelly Marie Tran.
Star Wars: Episode VIII is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski. Joining the production crew will be some of the industry's top talent, including Steve Yedlin (Director of Photography), Bob Ducsay (Editor), Rick Heinrichs (Production Designer), Peter Swords King (Hair and Make-Up Designer), and Mary Vernieu (US Casting Director).
They will be joining returning crew members Pippa Anderson (Co-Producer, VP Post Production), Neal Scanlan (Creature & Droid FX Creative Supervisor), Michael Kaplan (Costume Designer), Jamie Wilkinson (Prop Master), Chris Corbould (SFX Supervisor), Rob Inch (Stunt Coordinator), Ben Morris (VFX Supervisor), and Nina Gold (UK Casting Director). No story details have been released at this time. And none of the new characters have been announced.
Disney and Lucasfilm have released an announcement video for Star Wars: Episode VIII. It shows Luke Skywalker meeting Rey for the first time on his seclude island. We also get to see Rian Johnson behind the camera as he announced the movie fro the first time. Star Wars: Episode VIIIis scheduled for release December 15, 2017. Take a look.