The release of Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens is still more than three months away, but some big information regarding its sequel has already been announced. Spanish news website rac1.org is reporting that Benicio Del Toro has just been cast to play Episode 8's main antagonist.
In a candid interview he said:
"Star Wars is coming up, we will see how that turns out. I think we start shooting in March. I'm like the villain, but we'll see".
Last month, the Academy Award winner told a red carpet reporter from Entertainment Tonight that he was close to joining the space saga.
"I can't tell you much about it but I think that it might happen. It looks like it's gonna happen so I'm very excited." Was his response to the rumors back then.
However, his recent conversation with rac1 all but confirms his involvement in the second part of Disney's new Star Wars trilogy.
He's always been a fan of the original films. In the same red carpet interview he recounted the first time he saw Star Wars:
"I saw the original one when it came out and it marked me. I was impressed by the film and by the characters and by the story and the message."
Star Wars won't be the first intergalactic Disney movie that Del Toro has signed on to. The 48 year old actor is also a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to his small role as The Collector in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy.
Episode 8 is being helmed by Looper director Rian Johnson. It's expected in theatres on May 26, 2017. Del Toro will be joined by Episode 7's principle cast which includes the likes of John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, and Oscar Isaac.
