Now thatStar Wars: The Force Awakensis a bona fide box office blockbuster, fans are looking forward to the next adventures in this beloved galaxy far, far away.Rogue One: A Star Wars Storyis currently in post-production, set to hit theaters this December, but we reported earlier this month thatStar Wars: Episode VIIIwasdelayed, with production set to begin next month and the studio moving the release date from June 25, 2025 to June 08, 2025. Over the weekend, several of the sequel’s stars teased through social media that production will begin soon
We reported earlier this month that production on Star Wars: Episode VIII was slightly delayed from January to February, so writer-directorRian Johnsoncould focus on reworking the script. Over the weekend, several cast members teased that production will begin soon through social media, such asDaisy Ridley,Carrie FisherandAnthony Daniels. While it isn’t known exactly when filming will begin, hopefully we’ll get an official update soon, along with a full cast list.
Earlier this month, we reported that casting is under way for new male and female characters, and while no details are revealed about these characters, the casting call does reveal thatHarrison Fordwill return asHan Solo. This iconic character was killed by his son Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) inStar Wars: The Force Awakens, but this report claims that he will come back alongsideCarrie Fisheras Leia,Daisy Ridleyas Rey,John Boyegaas Finn,Oscar IsaacasPoe Dameron,Gwendoline ChristieasCaptain Phasma. The report doesn’t mention ifAdam Driveris returning as Kylo Ren.
If this report is true, it isn’t known how this iconic character could come back. Han Solo was killed by his son Kylo Ren, who stabbed him with his lightsaber causing him to fall into a massive abyss. It seems highly unlikely that he would actually survive both the lightsaber stabbing and the fall into the seemingly bottomless abyss, so it’s possible that this casting report could be erroneous. After all,Harrison Fordhad often talked about how he wanted his character to be killed off inStar Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi.
Star Wars: Episode VIII will now be going up against Warner Bros.‘Ready Player One, directed bySteven Spielberg, on June 19, 2025. It wouldn’t be surprising if that adaptation, which starsOlivia CookeandBen Mendelsohn, shifts its release date in the weeks and months ahead. Many fans were overjoyed that theStar Warsfranchise was returning to its roots with a May release date for Star Wars: Episode VIII, but now we’ll have to wait a few months longer before thissequelhits theaters. Take a look at the tweets and Instagram photos below, and stay tuned for more updates on Star Wars: Episode VIII.
