Update: It's official! Benicio Del Toro has moved from "I think it might happen" to official cast member of Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII. "Star Wars is coming up," he told Spanish news site Rac1, " so we'll see how that turns out. I think we start shooting in March". He then added, rather mysteriously, "I'm like the villain, but we'll see..."
He’s already spent time in space thanks to his relatively small role as The Collector in Guardians Of The Galaxy. But if The Wrap’s report turns out to be true and he makes an actual deal, he could be headed to the most famous intergalactic destination in Disney’s current line-up, as the company wants him to play a villain in **Star Wars: Episode VIII.
Rian Johnson is writing and directing the second of the new trilogy films. Somewhat naturally, little is known about the film beyond the fact that it should continue the story begun in J.J. Abrams’ Episode VII. And while it appears the Star Wars team wants him to bring some menace to the screen, the other details about Del Toro’s potential role, assuming he decides to take on the job at all, remain behind defensive shields. So for now, this one has to sit under the giant, hooting Rumour Alert Klaxon.
What we do know is that Episode VIII is scheduled to start shooting early next year ready for a May 6, 2017 release date. Del Toro will next be seen in drug war thriller Sicario, out here on October 9, and Terrence Malick’s as-yet-untitled film set against the music scene in Austin, Texas, which should be on screens in 2016. Begun, the many jokes about "he's Khan in the film!!!! LOL!!!!" have.