Filming for Star Wars: Episode VIII is underway and director Rian Johnson gave fans a peek at how things are coming along with a set photo.
Posted on his Tumblr blog, the set photo features Luke Skywalker's robe and filming equipment, surrounded by a rock background reminiscent of Skellig Michael, the island in Ireland that was transformed to become Ach-To. We first got a first look at Ach-To in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Production for Episode VIII began in February and it's now "in the home stretch," according to Johnson's post.
In April, England's Royal Family got a chance to explore Episode VIII's set as Princes William and Harry visited Pinewood Studios where the movie was being shot. The two went on a guided tour and met some of the members of The Rebellion, including Finn, Rey and Luke Skywalker themselves, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill.
The Kensington Palace's official Twitter account documented the visit, showing the princes holding a head cast of Ridley, getting a hug from Chewbacca, talking to BB-8 and engaging in their very own lightsaber battle.
Johnson landed the gig to direct Episode VIII back in 2014. This is the first time he's helming a franchise feature (based on his own screenplay to boot!) but he has enough extensive experience for us to believe the next Star Wars movie is in good hands. His work in Looper, in particular, showed that the director has a knack for telling sci-fi stories.
There aren't many details revealed about Episode VIII, but hopefully it will be the platform where the many mysteries of The Force Awakens, like who Rey's parents are, will be resolved. Still, it's going to be a long wait. Maybe they can start with revealing the movie's official title? If the production follows the same trend though, fans can expect the official title to be released sometime in the fall.
Episode VIII will see the return of many faces from The Force Awakens. Aside from Boyega, Ridley and Hamill, Carrie Fisher (General Leia Organa), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) and Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke) will also be coming back. Joining them will be Laura Dern and Benicio del Toro.
Star Wars: Episode VIII is set to hit theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.
