'Star Wars: Episode VIII' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' Release Dates Announced

— -- The year 2017 is shaping up to be a big year for likely blockbusters.

Disney announced release dates for the next installments in the "Star Wars" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchises.

Both movies will hit theaters in 2017.

According to Disney, which is also the parent company of ABC News, "Star Wars: Episode VIII" will debut on Dec. 15, 2017, more than six months after its originally announced release date. The movie will be written and directed by Rian Johnson, and will begin principal photography next month in London. J.J. Abrams, who directed "The Force Awakens," is on-board as an executive producer.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" will hit theaters on May 26, 2017, the original release date for "Star Wars: Episode VII." Initially, it was scheduled to premiere on July 7, 2017.

The new film will again star Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, and Geoffrey Rush and Orlando Bloom will return, too. This time around, Javier Bardem will play the new villain, Captain Salazar. It is currently in post-production.