Casting for ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ has reportedly begun and one of the latest actors to have joined the upcoming installment of the new trilogy is Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen.
Although the earlier film, ‘The Force Awakens,’ is yet to make its way to theaters soon, major entertainment news sites have been unveiling details about Yen’s decision to join the Disney franchise.
As stated in a report by Making Star Wars, the Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily stated the following: “Donny Yen (Yen Ji Dan), martial artist, and movie star (Ip Man trilogy) has been cast in Star Wars: Episode 8.”
Despite a seemingly final decision, a confirmation from the studio is yet to be made. If such reports are true, Yen will be joining Daisy Ridley (Rey) and Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), who have already been confirmed to appear in the Rian Johnson-helmed installment.
In addition, Yen is also rumored for a role in the ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’ spinoff, helmed by Gareth Edwards and set for a release on Dec. 16, 2016.
The actor has been rumored to take on the role of a Jedi who will cross paths with Harrison Ford’s Han Solo character.
If such plan pushes through, this could be an interesting tidbit for many as the original cast members were assumed to be finished in appearing in the trilogy when ‘The Force Awakens’ gets released.
Yen reportedly triumphed over several other Asian contenders for the ‘Star Wars’ role, including Jet Li, Stephen Chow and Daniel Wu. One of the newer trends for Hollywood productions is to allow Chinese actors to sign on to films in order to appeal to Chinese audiences, who have become a more significant box office market for blockbuster movies.
Meanwhile, with less than six months to go before the release of ‘The Force Awakens,’ it has been confirmed that the story will be set thirty years after the events of ‘Return of the Jedi.’
It is expected to bring back numerous fan-favorites, such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and more. Aside from Rey and Poe Dameron, new characters will also be introduced, such as Finn (John Boyega) and Sith Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).
Other cast members include Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, Miltos Yerolemou, Max von Sydow and Christina Chong. Newcomers Crystal Clarke and Pip Andersen have also signed on to the upcoming movie.
‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ is set to hit theaters on Dec. 18, 2015 while the next installment, ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ will be released on May 26, 2017.
The standalone film, ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’ will make its way to the big screen on Dec. Dec. 16, 2016.
