Following reports that Disney and Lucasfilm had offered a highly significant role for Benicio del Toro, the actor is said to have agreed to portray the main villain in "Star Wars: Episode VIII.'
Currently, however, there are no official details about such character, though this is not the first time that the 48-year-old actor has been offered a role in popular films that cover elements of space and science fiction. Aside from playing The Collector in Marvel Studios' "Guardians of the Galaxy,' he was also offered a villainous role in "Star Trek: Into Darkness,' a role that was later taken by "Sherlock' star Benedict Cumberbatch.
"I am going to be playing in "Episode VIII' of Star Wars," Del Toro confirmed to ET Online last month. "I don't know if he's a villain. People are saying that, but it's like they read a different script than I read. It's nice to keep people in the dark, a little bit of mystery is good."
Meanwhile, rumors are rampant that cast members from the upcoming "Star Wars: The Force Awakens' will get the opportunity to return for "Episode VIII,' including Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac.
However, it remains a big question to fans whether Ford's character will really come back in the Rian Johnson-helmed film due to the possibility that Han Solo will be killed off sooner or later.
Since the fall of the Galactic Empire, a new enemy who call themselves the First Order has been set in place. Finn, the runaway stormtrooper, will supposedly be associated with a group who call themselves The Resistance while the villainous Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver, will be a member of the Knights of Ren.
This villain is expected to be the reason behind Han Solo's death, which has been rumored to come about due to a scene filmed at Pinewood Studios in which the Millennium Falcon captain is caught up in a brawl with Ren, who "silences the conversation forever."
"Star Wars: Episode VIII' is currently filming with a premiere date of May 26, 2017. Johnson will also be writing for "Episode IX,' which will be directed by "Jurassic World' helmer Colin Trevorrow for a 2019 release.
As for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' the upcoming installment is set to premiere this Dec. 7.
