With the release of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens looming ever closer, it is time, I suppose, to start looking towards the next installment of the saga, Episode VIII, and what it might have in store. For starters, it looks as if there will be a new bad guy for the next generation of heroes to face off against, as The Wrap is reporting from numerous sources that Benicio Del Toro has been offered the role of the film’s villain.
There’s no word as to whether or not the Academy Award-winning actor will take it, but Variety is reporting that Lucasfilm and Disney already offered the role to Joaquin Phoenix, who passed.
This is not the first time that Del Toro has been offered a role in an iconic science-fiction franchise. Previously, he was in consideration for the role of Khan in JJ Abrams’ Star Trek Into Darkness for a brief period before he pulled out.
Looper helmer Rian Johnson is handling the directorial duties for the sequel which is expected to start shooting early next year for its May 26, 2017 release.
Shawn Knisely liked this on Facebook.