Benicio Del Toro And Laura Dern Officially On Board For Star Wars: Episode VIII

After months of back and forth, Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern are officially on board for Star Wars: Episode VIII as Disney and Lucasfilm made the announcement, noting that up-and-comer Kelly Marie Tran would also have a small, unspecified role in Rian Johnson’s sci-fi sequel.

Early reports have indicated that Del Toro has been cast as the film’s chief villain. As for Dern and Marie Tran, their addition could effectively dismiss any speculation that Gina Rodriguez and/or Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) were in contention to clinch a lead part.

With the cameras now officially rolling, Star Wars: Episode VIII is on course to hit theaters on December 15, 2017.