Star Wars: Episode 8

Terrible news to confirm today, as a beloved icon and Star Wars star’s condition has taken a turn for the worse. Carrie Fisher, actress behind both Princess and General Leia, has passed away at age 60. The revered actress and comedic presence had earlier suffered a heart attack en-route from London to Los Angeles.

It’s no surprise the set of ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ is under the tightest of tight security. The set of the Rian Johnson film has reportedly been equipped with drones and 600 security guards to prevent any passerby from leaking footage. Yet the age of cell phone cameras and social media, no set goes unleaked.

Good morning, happy Monday. Have you settled in at work, shaken the snow off your boots, maybe had a cup of coffee? Good, now hold onto your goddamn hat, because Star Wars is happening again.

The cast of Star Wars: The Force Awakens barely got a few weeks to catch their breath after the whirlwind that surrounded that film’s massive success at the box office before they were called back to London’s Pinewood Studios to start it all over again. Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed this morning that Lucasfilm and director Rian Johnson have officially commenced principal photography on Star Wars: Episode 8.

J.J. Abrams revved up the engine on the ol’ Star Wars ship, launching the series on a new journey with The Force Awakens, but declining to return for the subsequent sequels. Instead, Rian Johnson (Looper) and Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) will be steering the franchise from here on out, directing Episodes 8 and 9, respectively. Johnson is in production on Episode 8 right now, and according to The Force Awakens star Daisy Ridley, the script is “very good.” How good? Abrams regrets turning down the chance to direct it.

We’re still a few months away from the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but Rian Johnson is already hard at work prepping Episode 8. While it remains unclear how much of The Force Awakens cast will return for the sequel, there will be some new additions to the lineup as Johnson and Lucasfilm have already begun looking at actors for leading roles.