We’re currently 142 days away from the release of Episode VII according to the app running on my phone, and while that film draws close, not only does it mean the first new star wars film in a decade, but it inaugurates a new era of Star Wars with many films on the way.
While JJ and his team are deep into post-production on the Force Awakens, other Star Wars films are just ramping up with all forms of pre-production underway. Rian Johnson, director of Looper and The Brothers Bloom is at the helm of Star Wars: Episode VIII, and recent news indicates that Benicio del Toro is being pursued for the main villain in that film.
No details have come out on Episode VIII story elements or even the name of who del Toro might play, however interestingly he was an early rumor for Khan in Star Trek: Into Darkness a few years back (directed by JJ Abrams) before Benedict Cumberbatch was formally announced.
Episode VIII is targeting a May 2017 release, in order for a nice long window for post-production casting elements and shooting schedules will need to come together later this year. No doubt Disney has a grand strategy in mind and we might see some details confirmed just before, or shortly following in the wake of Episode VII’s release.
But for now we speculate, let us know your thoughts on Benicio del Toro going from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the Star Wars Galaxy!?
