'Star Wars: Episode 8' And Standalone Film Details Revealed: Find Out The Release Date And Directors Of The Films

The release date and director of “Star Wars Episode VIII” has been confirmed. In recent news, it has come to fore that “Looper” director Rian Johnson will be helming the next chapter of “Star Wars” and it will be released on May 26, 2017.

The announcement was made by Bob Iger during Disney’ shareholder meet, reported Deadline. It is not yet known how will the story move forward from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and what will be the title of “Star Wars Episode VIII.” However, Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman are set to produce the film.

It has also been confirmed that before the release of the eighth episode in the franchise, a spin-off starring Felicity Jones will be released. It will be called “Star Wars: Rogue One," reported Slash Film. The film will be first stand-alone "Star Wars" film and according to further reports by Deadline its storyline will be the part of expanded universe.

“Star Wars: Rogue One” will be helmed by Gareth Edwards. The script of the film has been written by Chris Weitz. It was originally written by Gary Whitta. The film is scheduled to be released on Dec. 16, 2016.

Felicity is yet to comment on clinching a role in the popular franchise. The actress recently starred in Academy Award nominated film “The Theory of Everything.” She played the role of Jane Wild, Stephen Hawking’s wife in the film. She also garnered the Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA, and Academy Award nomination for the Best Actress. She was also praised for her role of Anna Maria Gardner in 2011 film “Like Crazy.”

Meanwhile, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is scheduled to be released on Dec. 18, 2015. The film has been set 30 years after the events of “Return of The Jedi.” It stars John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker. J.J Abrams is directing the film. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan has written the screenplay of the film.

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