This is cool! DirectorRian Johnsonhas shared a new photo from the set ofStar Wars: Episode VIII. While we’re not provided with an official description by the filmmaker, it does appear to beLuke Skywalker’s Jedi robe hanging in what is believed to be the inside of a Jedi temple on the planet Ahch-To. This is home to Luke’s secluded hideaway, which we got to see for approximately 90 seconds at the very end ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens. Accompanying the photo was this short message fromJohnson, which was shared on hisTumblr.
“In the home stretch.”
It is believed thatStar Wars 8is finally getting ready to wrap. WithStar WarsCelebration coming up next month in the UK, it’s quite possible that we could see a teaser, or at the very least a few official images at that time. It is believed that this behind-the-scenes image is actually for a photo shoot and not the actual movie itself, though it does utilize the sets that we’ll see in the finished sequel.
Adding credence to what exactly this photo is for is the fact thatThe Force AwakensstarJohn Boyegarecently confirmed he was heading to photo shoots forEpisode VIII, to be used in various merchandising platforms including toys, posters, books and press kits. DirectorRian Johnsonoffers absolutely no other information with this provocative tease.
Towards the end of April,Rian Johnsonannounced that production had reached theHalfway point. It is unclear just how much more shooting needs to be completed, butRogue One: A Star Wars Storyis also undergoing reshoots at this same time, utilizing some of the same space at Pinewood Studios UK. This is the first time in history that two differentStar Warsmovies have shot side-by-side in unison, and way back whenStar Wars: The Force Awakenswas in production, it was widely known that the various sequels and spinoffs would be sharing a variety of props and costumes to save on budget.
We know thatStar Wars: Episode VIIIwill be set immediately afterStar Wars: The Force Awakens, which ended with Rey finally meeting Luke Skywalker at his hiddenJedi temple. There have been plenty of rumors that Luke and Rey will have a showdown with Kylo and his Knights of Ren on the coastal landscape of Ahch-To. It will be the second movie afterRogue Oneto utilize sandy beaches as a backdrop for battle. While this latest image doesn’t tell us much, it is one of the cooler official set images we’ve gotten to see lately.
