‘Episode VIII’ coming May 26th, 2017…
Along with confirming the news that a ‘Frozen’ sequel is in the works, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed the title of the Gareth Edwards-directed ‘Star Wars’ spinoff, along with the release date for ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII.’
The standalone film, titled ‘Rogue One,’ is first film in a unique series of big-screen adventures that explores the characters and events beyond the core Star Wars saga. ‘Rogue One’ will be directed by Edwards (‘Monsters,’ ‘Godzilla’) and written by Chris Weitz (‘Cinderella,’ ‘About a Boy,’ ‘Antz’). The first actress cast is Felicity Jones, the Oscar-nominated star of ‘The Theory of Everything.’ Principal photography is expected to kick off this summer in London, with release pencilled in for December 2016.
‘Star Wars: Episode VIII,’ which continues the saga after the events of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ is set for release on May 26, 2017 — forty years and a day after the release of ‘Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977.’ Rian Johnson (‘Looper,’ The Brothers Bloom,’ ‘Brick’) is attached to write and direct, with Kathleen Kennedy, Ram Bergman producing and J.J. Abrams serving as executive producer.