Rogue One: A Star Wars Story may currently be the talk of the town, but let’s not forget about Star Wars: Episode 8. Despite its delayed release date (now set for December 2017), production on the next Skywalker saga is well underway. Director Rian Johnson has confirmed that Episode 8 is halfway through principal photography, and that statement has been solidified with a recent video that reveals the Millennium Falcon on set in London.
The clip comes from the Daily Mail, which is also headquartered in London. The 19-second video showcases the Millennium Falcon from above at numerous angles. Star Wars production staff are clearly visible as they move around on set. Most strikingly, though, is the set design that accompanies Han Solo’s massive freighter ship. Take a look for yourself:
Look familiar? The Episode 8 set bears a striking resemblance to the location where Luke Skywalker and Rey met in the final scene of The Force Awakens. The jagged set scales vertically and features lots of rocks, grass, a large tree and a long, stone staircase -- the same staircase that Rey hiked to track down her soon-to-be Jedi master and possible father.
Of course, we already knew that these two would meet again in Star Wars: Episode 8, so what does this mean? The set video indicates that Johnson and his team are shooting at this location right now, and it opens up the possibility of the location featuring more than expected in the upcoming film. It brings up several interesting questions, like will Episode 8 open right where we left off at the conclusion of The Force Awakens? Will this location serve as the Jedi training ground like the swamps of Dagobah did for Luke and Yoda? Will the likes of Finn or General Leia Organa show up in search of Rey and/or Luke?
We’ll find out in 2017. Star Wars: Episode 8 arrives in theaters Dec. 17.
