Director Rian Johnson Shares Set Photo From Star Wars: Episode VIII

Four weeks deep on the production of Star Wars: Episode VIII and Rian Johnson (Brick, The Brothers Bloom) has shared a new set photo featuring cinematographer Steve Yedlin and, possibly, the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.

Arriving by way of Johnson’s Tumblr page, the nostalgic shot acts as more of a commemoration of reaching the first month in production than anything else, but it’s a fascinating peek behind the scenes nonetheless.

Plot details for Episode VIII are practically none-existent at this point. Having united (reunited?) with Mark Hamill’s Jedi Master, Rey will look to spearhead a new assault on the fractured First Order, potentially opening up the chance for Andy Serkis’ screen-filling Supreme Leader Snoke to finally step into action – lest he become a throwaway villain during these early chapters in the vein of Josh Brolin’s Thanos.

All of the core cast are primed to return, too, including Daisy Ridley – who is in contention for the role of Lara Croft in Warner Bros.’ Tomb Raider reboot – John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, BB-8 and Gwendoline Christie’s badass Captain Phasma. Newcomers include Kelly Marie Tran, Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern.

On the heels of Gareth Edwards’ Rogue One: A Star Wars Story later this year, Rian Johnson’s Star Wars: Episode VIII will hit the hyperdrive all the way into theaters on December 17, 2017.