AceShowbiz -

Although "Star Wars Episode VIII" is currently in early stage of development, there have been rumblings about the movie. Benicio Del Toro was recently reported to have been offered a villainous role in the movie.

In an interview with ET at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's Grants Banque on Thursday, August 13, the actor was asked about his possible involvement in the follow-up to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens". "I can't tell you much about it but I think that it might happen. Not to reveal too much, he It looks like it's gonna happen so I'm very excited," the actor answered.

However, Del Toro refused to talk much about his role. "I can't talk too much about it. The script is hard to get. They told me they'd cut my finger if I talk about it," he joked. Meanwhile, another source suggested that Lucasfilm also considered Joaquin Phoenix for the role.

At the end of the conversation, the actor praised the sci-fi movie franchise. "I saw the original one when it came out and it marked me. I was impressed by the film and by the characters and the story and the message," he shared.

"Star Wars Episode VIII" is slated to arrive in U.S. theaters on May 26, 2017. Rian Johnson will direct the movie which will start filming in the U.K. in 2016. Johnson will also write the script along with Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg.