Earlier today, we got the first exciting teaser for  Star Wars: Episode VIII, which shows Luke Skywalker and Rey meeting for the first time, as writer-director Rian Johnson watched on from behind the camera. Now, we have a series of Tweets and Instagrams from the cast and the filmmaker himself. The sequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens is officially shooting, and the first day of filming has wrapped!

Star Wars: Episode VIII is in production at Pinewood Studios in London. Along with Rian Johnson, stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and John Boyega (Finn) expressed their excitement at finally being back in that galaxy far, far away. Daisy Ridley, who plays the role of force-sensitive former desert scavenger Rey also posted a video on her Instagram account. Here's what she had to say.

"I literally have no idea how to post the video so that's Maggie Belize I stole yours!!! 
WE ARE FILMING! We also have INCREDIBLE new cast members"

If you're looking for new plot details or any new character information, you definitely won't find it here. About returning to work, John Boyega makes it sound like he is in for the fight of his life. He had this to say on his personal Twitter account.

"First day on Star Wars 8 complete ! We must face them! Fight them!"

Mark Hamill offers up on interesting tidbit about the return of Luke Skywalker. He still hasn't spoken any dialogue. Will that change? Or has Luke taken on a vow of silence? We know that the actor actually shot some of his returning scenes early, way back in September. The production needed to utilize the Skellig Michael Island location on a specific date. All exteriors were shot at that time. And now, Luke, Rey, R2-D2 and Chewbacca are all on a soundstage. About that, Mark Hamill offered this.

"An adventure just beginning.... #StillNoDialogue #RianHasMoreLinesThanMe"

Star Wars: Episode VIII is written and directed by Rian Johnson. This highly anticipated sequel continues the story lines 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.

Star Wars: Episode VIII is scheduled for release December 15, 2017. You can take a look at all the tweets and instagram posts here. And if you missed it earlier, here's another exciting look at that announcement video, which shows Luke Skywalker and Finn exchanging meaningful glances. Who's excited?