Star Wars: Episode VIII Filming Officially Ends As Director Rian Johnson Shares The Final Slate


Star Wars: Episode VIII filming has completed officially. The Star Wars Movies’ social accounts posted a video of Episode VIII writer and director Rian Johnson holding the slate before the final shot for the movie.

Johnson also addressed the Star Wars fans who will be eagerly waiting for the Episode VIII release and showed that he was really excited about the movie.

“Thanks to the best cast and crew in the galaxy, and thanks to the fans for all the love and support through the whole process. Cannot wait to put it together and share it with you all!”

The star cast of The Force Awakens has acted in the Episode VIII with some new members — Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern, along with a new talent, Kelly Marie Tran.

As a director, Rian Johnson already has the feather of directing a few episodes of AMC’s hit series Breaking Bad and two movies (Looper and Brick) under his belt.

Last week at the Star Wars Celebration Europe event, Johnson confirmed that the Episode VIII‘s story starts where The Force Awakens left off.

Star Wars Episode VIII director Rian Johnson and cast members meet Prince William. [Photo by Adrian Dennis/AP Images]
Meanwhile, the Episode VIII is yet to get an official title. For now, we only know that the movie’s production code name is Space Bear, thanks to Carrie Fisher for inadvertently confirming it by posting a photo of the production chair on Twitter.

According to Johnson, The Force Awakens introduced the new Star Wars saga with a bang. Since the ball in his court now, it is obvious to expect him to go gung-ho about the movie’s post-production and promotion.

Johnson wanted to prepare the cast as well as the crew for the vision of he had about Episode VIII. So he had recommended them to watch six classic movies, reported IGN. These six movies are Twelve O’Clock High (1949), The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), Three Outlaw Samurai (1964), Letter Never Sent (1960), Gunga Din (1939), and Sahara (1943).

These movies have a common theme about war, leadership, survival, alliances, and betrayal. These elements already incorporated in the Star Wars movies released so far. However, the story of Episode VII is still under wraps. Disney and Lucas Films have been extremely secretive about the story.

In fact, Mark Hamill even opened about the Star Wars producers taking precautions so that any spoilers or details are not leaked out. While he said of disliking certain policies that often end up frustrating the actors, he did deem them as necessary. Hamill returns in his iconic role as Luke Skywalker in the upcoming movie.

“The second film is where we start zooming in on the characters and getting to the heart of them, challenging them, and pushing them deeper.”

Along with directing the Episode VIII, Johnson has made a cameo in the Star Wars: Rogue One as a key member onboard the Death Star. In return, Rogue One director Gareth Edwards has also made a cameo in Episode VIII, reported Comicbook.

After Episode VIII, Johnson will take the charge of writing the story treatment of Episode IX, which is projected to release in 2019, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The latest trailer for the Rogue One teased the return of the perfidious Darth Vader. So far we know that the Star Wars: Rogue One will release on December 16 this year.

It is going to be a long wait for the fans since the Star Wars: Episode VIII is scheduled to hit the theaters on December 15, 2017.

[Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images]

Share this article: Star Wars: Episode VIII Filming Officially Ends As Director Rian Johnson Shares The Final Slate
More from Inquisitr