Oscar Isaac Says Episode VIII Is Doing Things Not Done In Star Wars Universe Before

Director Rian Johnson is expected to take Star Wars: Episode VIII in some bold directions, based on his previous work in Looper and Breaking Bad, but just how bold are we talking here?

Lawrence Kasdan, co-writer of Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, and Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens, conveyed his thoughts to the Los Angeles Times about Johnson's vision.

"Rian Johnson is a friend of mine — he's going to make some weird thing," Kasdan said. "If you've seen Rian's work, you know it's not going be like anything that's ever been in Star Wars."

Poe Dameron actor Oscar Isaac (who is also starring in X-Men Apocalypse) seconded his thoughts, and added a few of his own.

"I would agree with [Kasdan]," said Isaac. "Rian is definitely going to places and investigating things that haven't really been done in the Star Wars universe. For me, it's so fun getting to explore different things that I wouldn't have expected in this universe.

"In some ways, it feels like we're making an independent film. Certain things we get to play with – this kind of intimacy that we get to find – it's special. It's been really fun."

Episode VIII feeling like an independent film is a far cry from The Force Awakens, which through and through felt like a true blockbuster. It will be interesting to see which one fans respond more to.

Star Wars: Episode VIII is set to debut on December 15th, 2017.