‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ reveals new cast members and first behind-the-scenes footage

Principal photography has officially begun for “Star Wars: Episode VIII,� and with the production announcement comes the official list of cast members, including the newly announced Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern, as well as some on-set video.

Rian Johnson (“Looper,� “Brick�) will write and direct the still-untitled “Episode VIII,� the cast of which was announced on the official Star Wars site. Returning to the galaxy far, far away are Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (General Leia), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma) and Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke).

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FOR THE RECORD

Feb. 15, 1:47 p.m.: An earlier version of this story said that Episode 8 of “Star Wars� is expected to be released Dec. 17, 2017. The release date is Dec. 15 of that year.

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Kelly Marie Tran is a new addition, with Del Toro and Dern.

Also included in this announcement is video of Johnson on set filming where “Star Wars: The Force Awakens� ended, with Rey approaching Luke Skywalker on a remote island.

Primary production is taking place at Pinewood Studios in London. The premiere is expected to be Dec. 15, 2017.

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