Benicio Del Toro Reportedly Offered Villain Role in 'Star Wars: Episode VIII'
Lucasfilm and Disney have started casting for the next installment of the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy and reports are saying that Benicio Del Toro is being considered for a villainous role in the upcoming sequel. This was reportedly all part of Disney and Lucasfilm's plan to put together "A-list" talents for the upcoming film.
Del Toro is reportedly being eyed to play a yet unknown villain in "Star Wars: Episode VIII," accordiing to The Wrap, who cited several inside sources privy to the casting process. This film is said to follow the events after "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" which will be released in theaters this holiday season. Aside from Del Toro, another report in Variety said that Joaquin Phoenix was likewise approached to be part of the cast. There are also reports that Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen has been cast as well.
"The Force Awakens" cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac will be reprising their roles in "Episode VIII," according to Variety. Director Rian Johnson is set to pen the script as well as direct the upcoming film.
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The studio is reportedly very keen on getting Del Toro on board but talks are still in the early stages, and Disney had yet to comment on the news.
Del Toro is no stranger to playing villain both in action and sci-fi movies. His last role as villain was as The Collector in "Guardians of the Galaxy." He is also known for his Oscar-winning role in "Traffic." His upcoming movie "Sicario" pairs him up with Emily Blunt.
"Episode VIII" is scheduled to start production in early 2016, and will bow in theaters May 26, 2017. As it is a follow-up to the events of "The Force Awakens," it will continue the story of a younger set of characters 30 years after the events of "Return of the Jedi." With these new characters come different back stories, as they continue the struggle against the Dark Side.
