Right now, all we know about Star Wars Episode 8 is who’s working on the movie and a handful
of rumors and theories - so let’s take a look as we begin to piece this puzzle together
in the wake of Episode 7.
Currently filming, the only CONFIRMED cast members are Oscar Isaac - who, perhaps smarting
from all the attention Daisey Ridley and John Boyega are getting - let it slip he’ll be
in Episode 8, and Benicio Del Toro who rumor pegs as a villain, yet Del Toro has only said
he’s been cast.
Then, Boyega was sort of confirmed for Episode 8 by reports that he screen-tested with several
actresses up for a new role: Gina Rodriguez, Tatiana Maslany, Olivia Cooke and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Mbatha-Raw has been rumored to have won the role, which was widely reported, but Disney
never made any announcements to confirm it.
But it is worth noting the other actresses have accepted roles in other movies that would
conflict with Episode 8’s production schedule.
Brick and Looper writer-director Rian Johnson is writing and directing Episode 8, and for
awhile it was said he’d finish out what’s being called the “sequel trilogy”.
However, Jurassic World’s Colin Treverrow was too tempting for Disney to pass up, so
he’ll be directing and overseeing the script writing of Johnson’s overall idea for Episode
9.
And hey, if Johnson’s writing-directing, will his lucky charm Joseph Gordon Levitt
show up?!
He even had a cameo in The Brothers Bloom!
Then, Star Wars fans have noted that one of the first places Johnson has filmed already
is Skellig Michael Island in Ireland, where Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill filmed several
scenes for The Force Awakens.
That would imply one or both actors will return for Episode 8, or maybe even both if one’s
remembering the other in some sort of touching flashback scene.
Hamill’s inclusion makes sense because Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy has clarified that
episode films are about the Skywalker clan - and whoever’s revealed to be a Skywalker
in The Force Awakens will likely be front and center for Episode 8.
That could be Ridley, Boyega or even Kylo Ren - who Disney has spent so much time promoting
- yet not Adam Driver...
In fact, they haven’t even really built up Kylo Ren as a clear-cut villain.
I believe Kylo Ren will become the anti-hero of the sequel trilogy, aka my Kylo as Zuko
Theory.
But speaking of Skywalkers, don’t be surprised if General Leia gets “called away on business,”
as Carrie Fisher’s been the only one on the face of the Earth with anything unpleasant
to say about Star Wars leading up to Episode 7’s release.
But everyone seems to love Captain Phasma, who’s not only been a hit with fans but
JJ Abrams.
He not only seems delighted with the character in interviews, but has admitted he kinda short-changed
her a bit in The Force Awakens.
And since I’m getting a Boba Fett level of fandom vibe for Captain Phasma, so don’t
be surprised if her role expands in Episode 8.
She might even take her helmet off!
Or would that defeat the purpose...?
Finally, here are some of the rumors circulating for Episode 8.
While Gugu Mbatha-Raw might have one new female role in the bag, there might be another up
for grabs - and one of these two roles might be a female Sith.
Although, where would that leave Kylo Ren, or Captain Phasma?
Some also believe one of these two new female roles might be Han and Leia’s daughter - and
Jaina Solo is a fan favorite from the Extended Universe...that was recently made non-canon.
What better way to confuse old and new fans than to include those characters anyway!
By the way, since Leia is a Skywalker, any of her and Han’s kids would definitely qualify
as keeping the episodes focused on the Skywalker family.
On that note, perhaps the craziest rumor is that Hayden Christiansen might return as Anakin
Skywalker himself - either as a ghost or in flashback scenes.
While some prequel fans might appreciate the nod of respect to that trilogy, it’s hard
to believe anybody at Disney or Lucasfilm could really be that dumb...
But let’s end on a good rumor!
There are rumblings that Billy Dee Williams might return as Lando Calrissian!
Many Star Wars fans feel he should’ve returned for The Force Awakens, and have been vocal
about it.
Plus there is that Lando comic book from Marvel, and it sells REALLY well!
So, as we turn our attention to Episode 8, whadya think?
What do you hope is true, and what do you hope isn’t true?
Be sure to share your thoughts down below.
I’m Grace Randolph and be sure to stay tuned for special Star Wars coverage celebrating
the release of The Force Awakens!
Here’s some you can watch - right now!