Star Wars: Episode 8: Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro confirmed to join cast

New addition: Laura Dern joins the cast for the new Star Wars film
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Jennifer Ruby15 February 2016
The Weekender

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Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro will join the Star Wars cast for the forthcoming Episode VIII.

Disney has confirmed that the stars have signed up for parts in the new film as principal photography kicks off in London this week.

While Del Toro was previously rumoured to be joining the franchise as a new villain, Oscar nominee Dern’s casting comes as a surprise to fans.

Newcomer Kelly Marie Tran has also been announced as a new addition, joining returning cast members including John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver.

Veterans Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill are expected to return, with the action picking up from the end of the Episode VII.

Looper director Rian Johnson has taken over the reins from The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams, who is still on board as an executive director.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens - in pictures

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Fans have also been treated to a sneak peek of the new film on the official YouTube account, showing Johnson behind the scenes on set.

A new studio announcement reads: “Rey took her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and will continue her epic journey with Finn, Poe, and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the continuing Star Wars saga, Star Wars: Episode VIII, which began principal photography at Pinewood Studios in London on February 15, 2016.

Star Wars: Episode VIII is set for release Dec 15 2017.

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