a cosplayr dressed as star wars character "yoda" at a star wars fan day Tokyo may 4 2015 (photo: Reuters)
The release date of Star Wars: Episode VIII has been pushed to December 2017, Disney Studios has said. The Episode VIII was originally scheduled for release in summer 2017.
Hollywood blockbusters released mid-year have drawn in the biggest audiences in recent years, but Disney noted the success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, released worldwide last month.
The Force Awakens has already become the highest grossing film released in North America,taking $861 million at the box office to date, and the third-biggest global release in history, taking in $1.88 billion.
Episode VIII, written and directed by Rian Johnson, will start filming in London in February and is expected to continue the tale of new characters Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and the villainous Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).
Franchise veterans Carrie Fisher (General Leia) and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) also are expected to return, although Disney did not comment on casting.
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