Disney already prepping to film 'Star Wars: Episode VIII'

Benicio Del Toro will star in 'Star Wars : Episode VIII' that will start filming at the end of September. (AFP photo/ Loic Venace)

Just three months before the release of the highly anticipated "The Force Awakens", Disney is already prepping for the filming of the saga's next episode "Star Wars: Episode VIII".

The eighth episode of the "Star Wars" franchise will begin filming on the Irish island of Skellig Michael. The surrounding environment, left untouched for centuries due to the wild and hostile location, harbors a small decaying monastery that will serve as Luke Skywalker's hideout. The island, located to the south-west of Ireland, has already been used by J.J. Abrams for "The Force Awakens". Episode 7 of the Star Wars chronicles will be out in theaters December 18 in the United States.

Benicio Del Toro, the villain of chapter 8

At the moment, very little information has leaked on the next Star Wars episode. In fear of revealing too much information on episode 7, the scenario for episode 8 remains unknown and only two actors have been confirmed for that chapter.

Present in "The Force Awakens", Oscar Isaac resumes his role as Poe Dameron, the X-Wing pilot. Puerto Rican-American actor Benicio Del Toro has been confirmed in the movie credits, most likely taking on the role of a villain. It has been suggested that the leading female role could be given to Tatiana Maslany ("Orphan Black"), Gina Rodriguez ("Jane the Virgin") or Olivia Cooke ("Bates Motel").

Taking over from J. J. Abrams, Ryan Johnson ("Looper") has been chosen by Disney to produce the saga's 8th episode. The American studio wished to hire a different producer for each film in the upcoming trilogy. Colin Trevorrow ("Jurassic World") will take over for episode 9 scheduled for 2019.

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" will hit theaters May 26, 2017 in U.S. theaters, nearly a year and a half after "The Force Awakens" whose events take place 30 years after the "Return of the Jedi". A new generation of young stars like John Boyega, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley and Lupita Nyong'o will lead the saga forward from the hands of Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher.