Star Wars Episode VIII To Shoot In The UK

The Star Wars franchise will return to the UK's Pinewood Studios to film Star Wars Episode VIII, according to Deadline. The announcement was made by Pinewood Shepperton chief executive Ivan Dunleavy during an address at the annual conference of the Confederation of British Industry, where he was joined by R2-D2.

The Star Wars Episode VIII will be directed by Rian Johnson, and is looking at a 2017 release date. Episode VII, Star Wars: The Force Awaken, is being directed by J.J. Abrams, and recently finished filming at Pinewood.

The studio will next play host to the cast and crew of James Bond 24, which is set to begin shooting at the studio soon.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens December 18, 2015.