While speaking with Spanish outlet RAC1, actor Benicio Del Toro confirmed he’s indeed apart of the cast of Rian Johnson’s Star Wars: Episode VIII, which is said to be the villain. He also mentions that production is set to begin in March, the Lucasfilm machine is in full-effect with Jurassic World‘s Colin Trevorrow confirmed to be handling directing duties for Star Wars: Episode IX afterwards.
“Star Wars is coming up, we will see how that turns out. I think we start shooting in March….Ehhh, the thing is, they don’t let me talk too much about it. I’m like the villain. But we’ll see.”
You might remember that Benicio had been in talks for the Khan role in Star Trek: Into Darkness, this part could seemingly span across multiple movies.
No word on exactly the role would be, but fans have been demanding General Thrawn, who was a fan-favorite from the expanded universe via the continued saga novels. An Empire threat, the blue-skinned and red-eyed Chiss military leader, would be a great antagonist over three novels. Given that the Lucasfilm has suggested filmmakers can cherry-pick these characters for the cinematic universe, it means a version of Thrawn could end-up in the movies even if the novels are not apart of canon. The non-sith baddie might end-up a great threat from the military side of things, as there is word that Kyo Ren isn’t in a sith, as previously rumored might be a “worshiper” of them instead.
SOURCE: RAC 1