The next "Star Wars" movie will be called "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," and will be released on 15 December, franchise owner, Disney revealed on Monday.
The movie–the second film in the newly-energized franchise – focuses on the original characters, and will follow the adventures of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). It had previously been known only as "Episode VIII."
We have the greatest fans in this or any other galaxy. In appreciation of the fans, we wanted them to be the first to know the title of the next chapter in the Skywalker saga: ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’Disney said in a statement.
Disney has not released plot details for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" but the cast will include the return of "Force Awakens" cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Lupita Nyong'o.
After Disney’s announcement, speculation over just who the last Jedi is immediately ran rampant on social media. "The Force Awakens" chronicled Daisy Ridley's Rey discovering her powers with the Force, but ended ominously with a withdrawn Luke Skywalker on a remote island. If there's to be just one Jedi left, Luke's days could be numbered.
In an interview Monday at the Sundance Film Festival, Mark Hamill said he liked that the title was "straightforward" and "minimalist."
"They told us that when we were making the movie and I said don't tell me these things. I talk in my sleep," said Hamill. "They have us so jacked up with paranoia over leaks."
The Last Jedi will be directed by British writer-director, Rian Johnson who has previously said "Episode VIII" will start right where "The Force Awakens" left off.
(With inputs from AP, Reuters)
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