Disney has finally addressed the long-standing rumor about Benicio del Toro’s involvement in Star Wars: Episode VIII. Earlier this week, a 30-second video posted on the franchise’s website announced that the next installment is officially in production. Disney also confirms that the Puerto Rican actor and director will join the cast for the next installment.
Along with Guardian Of The Galaxy actor, Academy award nominee Laura Dern and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran have also been selected to appear in the film. The announcement did not confirm their roles. However, when asked if he will become the franchise’s next villain, del Toro didn’t make much of an attempt to deny the rumors about joining the dark side.
“You know, I’m not supposed to say,” he recently told Hitflix. “But that’s what’s out there, so I’m not gonna try and fight it.”
Star Wars: Episode VIII is set to be released May 26, 2017. Watch the official announcement below.