Milking it is strong with this one, as Disney have dropped a bunch of new details about the second generation of the Star Wars franchise.
First up, we have the release date of ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’, which will follow up ‘Star Wars: Episode VII, The Force Awakens’ being released this year. Episode 8 will eschew a classic May 4th release date, instead opting for May 26th, 2017. That is – great news – only 805 days away! The film won’t be helmed by JJ Abrams as Episode VII is, Rian Johnson (‘Looper’, ‘Brick’) will instead be taking the lead and will reportedly continue on for ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ in 2019.
Moving on.
Star Wars’ first spinoff film has also been officially announced: Gareth Edwards (‘Godzilla’) will be at the head of a standalone Star Wars film, titled, ‘Rogue One’. While details on ‘Rogue One’ are scarce, word round the ole internet hole has hedged its bets on ‘Rogue One’ exploring the early days of Princess Leia and Han Solo. Beautiful ray of beaming perfection Felicity Jones has been announced as the film’s first cast member/clearly will play Princess Leia. Happy tears. ‘Rogue One’ will be dropping in December 2016.
Today’s announcements are relatively lackluster when you consider how far, far away their respective release dates are. But take comfort in the fact that Star Wars: Episode VII is being released in December this year, starring Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher alongside newcomers John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver.
Watch the first teaser below.
