'Star Wars Episode VIII' Updates: Script Turned Over To Director; Benicio Del Toro, Gina Rodriguez To Board Sequel & More

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The script for "Star Wars Episode Episode VIII" is already finished and production is slated to commence after director Rian Johnson, who recently spilled some details about Rey's parentage, finishes rewriting it. Award winning actors Benicio Del Toro and Gina Rodriguez are both expected to join the upcoming sequel.

In an interview with Wired, J.J. Abrams confirmed that the script for "Star Wars VIII" has been finished and director Rian Johnson is already in the process of rewriting some parts of it. The acclaimed sci-fi director will produce the next installment in the saga of the Skywalker family as Johnson takes over the helm. Abrams assured fans of a smooth transition and said, "Rian has asked for a couple things here and there that he needs for his story... the story he told took what we were doing and went in the direction he felt was best but that is very much in line with what we were thinking as well."

After finishing the script for "Star Wars VIII", Lawrence Kasdan will also be stepping down. According to an article by A.V. Club, Kasdan said in an interview that the upcoming Han Solo spinoff will serve as his last contribution to the Star Wars franchise.

According to the screenwriter, "I have now made four Star Wars movies [including the Han Solo project]. That's more than enough". Kasdan who wrote the screenplay for "Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" is given credit for the success of both films. A lot of fans consider Empire Strikes Back as the best film in the entire franchise.

A report by The Verge states Johnson may in turn write the script for Episode IX which is going to be directed by Colin Trevorrow. The site also noted that actor Benicio del Toro was also eyed to join the cast of "Star Wars VIII" as a villain earlier this summer.

Aside from Del Toro, Golden Globe winner Gina Rodriguez is also rumored to join the cast according to HNGN. The rumors came about when a Twitter fan spotted that Rian Johson and John Boyega are now following the "Jane the Virgin" actress on Twitter.

It was noted that Rodriguez has been involved in some of the film's previous casting rumors. Though the rumors have faded for a while, it's reappearance in the rumor mill causes the fans to assume that she might really be in for a role in the next installment.

Meanwhile, the in the same interview with wired, Johnson mentioned the "sweetness between Han and Rey" while talking about the new generation being brought into the franchise. This very short phrase might be the proof fans are looking for on the theory that Rey is Han and Leia's daughter. If this turns out true, then the major protagonist in the upcoming sequels will not Anakin's grandchild with Luke, but rather his grandchild with Leia.

After "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" premiere this December, fans will have to wait until May of 2017 for "Star Wars Episode VIII". Until then, may the force be with everyone.

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