'Star Wars: Episode VIII': Captain Phasma's return confirmed; Abrams' movie makes almost $2 billion

Gwendoline Christie has confirmed that her character Captain Phasma will return in “Star Wars: Episode VIII.” Expectations are high on the movie after the success of J.J. Abrams’ movie, which is set to cross the $2 billion (AU $2.8 billion) mark by the end of the week in box office collection.

In an interview with People magazine, Christie confirmed her character’s return in the next movie. The actress said that she had campaigned to get the role and revealed that the role was originally intended for a male actor. She said that she was “delighted” when she was cast in the movie and was “overexcited” to play the role.

The actress went on the praise the “incredibly striking” Captain Phasma costume and hoped that her casting will help ensure more diversity in Hollywood, with women getting more opportunities after the success of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

“I also just liked this notion of a female stormtrooper,” Christie said. The actress pointed out that her costume hadn’t been sexualised or feminised in any way and felt that this was a “very modern” way of portraying a female character.

Captain Phasma’s face was never revealed in the Abrams’ movie and it is unclear if “Star Wars: Episode VIII” will continue in the same tradition. It is also not clear whether her costume will get an upgrade in the forthcoming movie or if it will remain the same.

The Abrams’ movie was a resounding success at the box office with the movie making nearly $2 billion (AU $2.8 billion) in revenues, Variety reports. The report notes that the movie has already made $1.983 billion (AU $2.81 billion) in worldwide ticket sales.

Production of “Star Wars: Episode VIII” is expected to begin soon. The script of the movie is already complete and some of the cast members of the show have teased that they have read it. The movie will be directed by Rian Johnson who is known for his work in “Breaking Bad” and “Looper.”