Lucasfilm is definitely moving fast in working on the new 'Star Wars' trilogy. It won't be until another few months until 'The Force Awakens' premieres, yet the hunt for an 'Episode VIII' villain is already on.

The Wrap has just announced that 'Guardians of the Galaxy' star Benicio del Toro has been offered to play a new bad guy in 'Episode VIII.' The website reported that del Toro may be in the early negotiation stages.

Meanwhile, another actor may also be up for the role. In addition to reports about del Toro, Variety has added that 'Inherent Vice' actor Joaquin Phoenix is also being offered the same part in 'Episode VIII.'

Which of the two A-listers will portray the villain in the 'Star Wars' sequel? Lucasfilm and Disney had no comment about the possible castings.

Del Toro may be the forthrunner for the role, since he is already part of the Disney family with 'Guardians of the Galaxy.' The actor played Taneleer Tivan, better known as The Collector, in the 2014 blockbuster.

Although he had previously said that he was unsure whether he will return in the movie's sequel, fans speculate that Benicio del Toro's character may have a critical role in the next 'Guardians of the Galaxy' films.

Joaquin Phoenix is a multiple Academy Award nominee, most notably for his performance in the Johnny Cash biopic 'Walk the Line.' In addition to movie awards, he has also received a Grammy Award for the film's soundtrack.

Phoenix has received critical acclaim for his roles in 'Gladiator,' 'The Master' and 'Her.' The actor's latest project is the Woody Allen film 'Irrational Man,' which will be premiere on July 24.

'Star Wars: Episode VIII' will be directed by Rian Johnson, while Ram Bergman and Kathleen Kennedy will produce. The film is scheduled for release on May 26, 2017.