Benicio Del Toro was announced to be playing a villain in the film. He was previously cast as Darth Maul, the primary antagonist of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), but dropped out after George Lucas removed most of Maul's lines from the script.
Joaquin Phoenix turned down the role that eventually went to Benicio Del Toro.
It was confirmed in 2016 that John Williams will compose the music for Episode VIII. This will be the 8th Star Wars film he composes.
Carrie Fisher's final performance as Princess Leia. She intended to reprise her role in the next Star Wars film, but unfortunately passed away before filming began.
Ewan McGregor has expressed his interest to reprise his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in this film.
Early filming took place with Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley on Skellig Michael off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland in late September 2015. On February 15, 2016 LucasFilm posted a short production announcement video which included some footage and behind-the-scenes shots of the shoot which picks up immediately after the final scene of Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015). Main photography was scheduled to begin in early January 2016, but was delayed a month reportedly due to script revisions and began on February 15.
The production name for Episode VIII was "Space Bear".
