‘Star Wars: Episode 8’ Cast Sees ‘Return Of The Jedi’ Veterans Strike Back For The Resistance

In addition to The Force Awakens mainstays like Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren and Poe Dameron, Star Wars: Episode 8 is filling out its cast with a number of secondary characters. Previously we learned of the return of Captain Phasma , Supreme Leader Snoke , and General Hux.

Now Making Star Wars has good evidence that Admiral Ackbar and Nien Nunb (and Chewbacca, but c’mon, duh) will also return to Star Wars: Episode 8. The actors behind all three iconic characters—veterans of the Battle of Endor as seen in Star War: Episode VI Return of the Jedi— were supposed to appear at Pensacola Comic Con, Pensacon. They cancelled, in all likelihood because of the production demands for Star Wars: Episode 8.

Here’s Peter Mayhew, who plays Chewbacca:

Nien Nunb, best known as the copilot for General Calrissian’s run on the Death Star II core, is played by Mike Quinn. He too cancelled the con appearance in order to return as a Resistance fighter in Star Wars: Episode 8 . Presumably he’ll once again be a member of Poe Dameron’s Black Squadron of X-Wing fighter pilots.

“Work schedules tend to change and then lock in late in the game in the movie business,” Quinn wrote to his fans on Facebook.

The actor portraying Admiral Ackbar, Tim Rose, also cancelled his con appearance:

While this cast news for Star Wars: Episode 8 isn’t a huge surprise, it does indicate that Black Squadron will continue to play a role in galactic politics. Even with the destruction of the New Republic, the Resistance struggles on. Episode 8 looks to be much more than just Rey in training with Luke Skywalker.

Star Wars: Episode 8 will be out in theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.