Right now, Star Wars-related news seems to be going into overdrive, with more and more names being added to the new trilogy and their spinoffs (under the Star Wars: Anthologies banner) by the second. But even with Star Wars: The Force Awakens still five months away, Disney are already looking ahead to Episode 8, to be directed by Looper‘s Rian Johnson, with Benicio del Toro reportedly being headhunted for a role, according to The Wrap.
Negotiations are reportedly still in the early stages, but it’s definitely a role that we can see del Toro doing justice to. The Force Awakens‘ rogues gallery, currently populated by Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren and Gwendoline Christie’s Captain Phasma, are all capable of exuding silent menace, and del Toro clearly fits the bill, showing off his range in the likes of Che, 21 Grams, Inherent Vice, and Disney/Marvel’s own Guardians Of The Galaxy. If this is an example of what’s to come then we wholeheartedly approve.
Moreover, with del Toro being the recipient of a Best Supporting Actor Oscar gong for his role in Traffic, as well as a nomination for 21 Grams, it provides a further example of the Star Wars saga’s targeting of acclaimed, multi-talented actors for key roles. More of this please.
Star Wars: Episode 8 will be released in cinemas on 6 May 2017. For more of the biggest movie news, pick up the latest issue of SciFiNow.
