STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII’ NEW PHOTOS SHOW OFF SHIP, VINTAGE HELMET (by Maria Cavassuto, www.variety.com)

30/04/2016 - April 29, 2016 - Director Rian Johnson offered a few breadcrumbs to appease hungry fans until the next update on Star Wars: Episode VIII. Johnson took to his “lousy stinkin” Tumblr to share some big news with “Star Wars” fans.

“I can’t believe we’re halfway through the shoot. (We’re halfway through the shoot!)”

He also released some set photos showing himself in “action,” captioned: “Good. Bad. I’m the guy with the microfiber sham.”

The second image shows a First Order base or ship and the iconic mask or headpiece that was made famous in the original trilogy. It looks like Johnson may be taking a page out of the original “Star Wars” movies and moving away from the helmets used in “Star Wars: A Force Awakens.”

“Force Awakens” was directed by J.J. Abrams. Last year, Abrams’ longtime friend Greg Grunberg told the Washington Post that Abrams regrets not sitting in the director’s chair for the sequel. However, he’s still on board as executive producer.

Johnson also posted other set photos earlier this month and in April.

But Johnson isn’t the only one who has been sharing some early looks at “Episode VIII.” Mark Hamill humorously tweeted in February: “EXCLUSIVE 1st LOOK #EP8 Exotic alien creature to terrorize … oh no wait, that’s just my daughter’s dog #Whoops #MyBad.”

Joining Hamill in “Episode VIII” are cast members Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie and Andy Serkis. Benicio del Toro and Laura Dern will also be joining the franchise in unspecified roles.

Star Wars: Episode VIII is set to blast into theaters on December 15, 2017.

Fonte: Maria Cavassuto, www.variety.com