Actor Benicio Del Toro just confirmed to Spanish outlet
www.rac1.org that he will indeed play the villain in
Star Wars: Episode VIII and that filming starts in March. The news comes after Del Toro previously told reporters last month that
"he thinks" he'll take the role. The only other actor mentioned for the role was Joaquin Phoenix. However, Phoenix recently gave an interview where he stated that the reason he turns down blockbuster roles is because 75% of the script is,
"a description of some asteroid going through space." Perhaps Joaquin made this comment in reference to the Star Wars script he just read?
Rian Johnson is writing and directing the sequel to J.J. Abrams'
The Force Awakens. Joining Del Toro will be Donnie Yen, and Oscar Isaac - who will be reprising his role as Poe Dameron. Casting is underway for a new female lead and the current
shortlist includes Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) and Olivia Cooke (Bates Motel). The film is scheduled for release on May 26, 2017.