'Star Wars Episode VIII' Offers Benicio Del Toro a Villainous Role

Movie

The 'Wolfman' actor is reportedly in discussion with Disney and Lucasfilm to star in the follow-up to 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'.

July 21, 2015

AceShowbiz -

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is yet to hit theaters, but development for the next installment is already underway. Latest report says "Star Wars Episode VIII" is looking for an actor to play the villain and eyes Benicio Del Toro to fill the role.

Sources familiar with casting process tell TheWrap that the Oscar-winning "Traffic" star is Disney and Lucasfilm's top choice, but note that discussions are still in the very early stages. Disney and Lucasfilm have not responded to the rumor yet.

"Star Wars Episode VIII" is slated to arrive on May 26, 2017. Rian Johnson has been tapped to direct and filming is scheduled to begin in early 2016. Johnson will also write the script along with Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg.

Editors' Pick

Del Toro had a small role as The Collector in Marvel's movie "Guardians of the Galaxy". The 48-year-old actor will next be seen in Denis Villeneuve's crime drama "Sicario" which also features Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin and Jon Bernthal in the cast.

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