Just like the sequel that came before it, the as yet untitled “Star Wars: Episode VIII” is said to be taking a darker tone, much like the treatment Irvin Kershner gave “The Empire Strikes Back” in 1980.
Director J.J. Abrams, of course, is stepping down from the helm and in his place will be Rian Johnson, known for his work on “Looper,” “Brick,” and some episodes of the acclaimed television series “Breaking Bad.” But Rian's script is already getting praise and buzz from those involved in the franchise with even Abrams confessing that he wishes he was the one directing it instead.
Even the new “Star Wars” stars are gushing about the script. Daisy Ridley has said the new script is “very good.” John Boyega was able to give more details on the script in a new interview, revealing that he and Ridley have a lot of training to do to get ready for all the action scenes they will be filming.
Unlike Ridley, who underwent a seriously badass training regimen to get ready for her role as a scavenger on the desert planet of Jakku – check out the Instagram videos she still posts every #FitnessFriday – Boyega said that his training was not as intense and instead they took it scene by scene with him.
“My part in the next film will be much more physical so I might be in the gym a bit more," he added.
It does not come as too much of a surprise that “Episode VIII” will have a darker mood to it than “The Force Awakens.” J.J. Abrams already revealed that from the beginning, they wanted to approach the new trilogy using tried and true mythology tropes that have been a staple for good storytelling far longer than the original “Star Wars” trilogy has been around.
While “The Force Awakens” mirrored the optimism and awakening hope and adventure that “The New Hope” had, “Episode VIII” is expected to take on the darker undertones and serious matters much like “The Empire Strikes Back” did.
