'Star Wars' Announces 'Episode VIII' Cast, Reveals Luke Skywalker Shots

They also released new Luke Skywalker shots.

By
MICHAEL ROTHMAN
February 15, 2016, 11:34 AM ET
3 min read

— -- "Star Wars" took to its website and YouTube to make a big announcement today -- the cast list for "Episode VIII." Plus, the movie has begun filming.

First, a 34-second video features new shots of Luke Skywalker that look to be a connector between "The Force Awakens" and "Episode VIII." If you haven't seen "The Force Awakens," you may not want to watch this clip.

Read: 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens': What Critics Are Saying

Next, the official website revealed a full cast list, including, "Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis."

Newcomers include Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern.

"Rey took her first steps into a larger world in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' and will continue her epic journey with Finn, Poe, and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the continuing Star Wars saga, Star Wars: Episode VIII, which began principal photography at Pinewood Studios in London on February 15, 2016," the release read.

"Episode VIII" is set to hit theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.