AceShowbiz -

Despite circulating rumors, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will not be regrouping in Ireland for reshoots. Lucasfilm tells Entertainment Weekly that it's actually "Star Wars Episode VIII" which will begin filming sequences in the country later this month.

The Irish government confirms the news by announcing that permission has been granted for Lucasfilm to return to the island Skellig Michael, which has been a protected UNESCO world heritage site since 1996. Ecologists and specialist staff from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Monuments Service will monitor filming to protect archaeological sites and wildlife habitats.

"Sceilg Mhichil (Skellig Michael) is one of our most dramatic and beautiful islands and it is very easy to understand why its stunning scenery has caught the attention of the makers of one of the world's biggest film franchises," Ireland's Arts Minister Heather Humphreys says in a statement. "The return of Star Wars to Sceilg Mhichil is another win for Ireland and the Irish film industry, which is a growing and dynamic sector of our economy."

Heather adds, "Specialist staff from my Department have been in discussions with Lucasfilm since March of this year in relation to a limited amount of filming, expected to last two to four days."

"Star Wars Episode VIII" starring Oscar Isaac and Benicio Del Toro is scheduled to hit U.S. theaters on May 26, 2017.