Star Wars Rumors: Strong Female Lead Sought For Episode VIII & Filming To Begin Next Month

Sources for themoviebit have informed the site, Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII will begin filming on September 14th at Skellig Michael. The Irish island was previously used for The Force Awakens, and it is believed to be the current home of Luke Skywalker as a heavily-bearded Mark Hamill was photographed arriving to the remote location in July and August of last year. Movie Bit says filming there will last for 6 weeks and the location will have "a far larger role in Episode 8 than Episode 7."

Movie Bit added, "Our source also informs us that the final cut of The Force Awakens is just about done and the final shot is a slow zoom out of Skellig Michael."

On the casting front, Geek Nation has heard from their sources that Star Wars: Episode VIII is seeking a "strong, young female character to be featured heavily." And who is this female character supposed to be? They've heard that she'll be Han Solo's daughter, despite previous rumors claiming that is who Daisy Ridley's Rey will turn out to be.

Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII will arrive in theaters May 26, 2017.