Late last week, it was heavily rumored thatStar Wars Anthology: Rogue Onehas already begun production atLondon’s Pinewood Studios, with starFelicity Joneshaving shot one major scene. And we’re expected to hear some big announcements at this year’sComic Con, whereStar Wars: The Force Awakenswill have a big presence this Friday. But today, we have an unconfirmed rumor thatStar Wars: Episode VIII, which is in pre-production with directorRian Johnson, is already starting to cast new actors. And apparently the production wants Hong Kong action legendDonnie Yen, known best in the states for hisIp Manfranchise, for an important yet undisclosed role.
The news comes fromApple Daily, a Hong Kong tabloid not exactly known for its blockbuster movie scoops. They claim thatDonnie Yenhas already signed on, insuring that Star Wars: Episode VIII hasinternational box officeappeal.SPOILER ALERT!They also claim that he is playing a Jedi. And that he will shoot scenes withHarrison Ford’s Han Solo as early as next month. This has raised some eyebrows, not only in terms of previous rumors. It is believed thatStar Wars: The Force Awakenssets up the Jedi as all but extinct. And it has also been widely reported that Han Solo loses his head at the hands of Kylo Ren leading intoStar Wars: The Force Awakens' big third act conflict.
It also doesn’t make sense that he will be shooting scenes as early as next month, sinceStar Wars Anthology: Rogue Onewill still be in production. DidApple Dailyget the news wrong? Is Donnie Yen actually appearing in the first spinoff? WillHarrison Ford’sHan Soloshow up in the spinoff? Though the movie takes place betweenStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the SithandStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, the movie could utilize the same age-defying CGI techniques that allowArnold Schwarzeneggerto fight a much younger version of himself inTerminator Genisys.
Adding some validity to the report is TwitchFilm, who claim thatStar Wars Anthology: Rogue OnedirectorGareth Edwardsis seeking a number of Chinese actors for a role in that movie. Also mentioned for a role inStar Wars Anthology: Rogue OneareJet Li, Stephen Chow, Tony Leung, Chiu Wai,Daniel Wu,Leehom Wangand Chen Chang. If Donnie Yen is wanted for this specific role, it has already been revealed that not one Jedi shows up inStar Wars Anthology: Rogue One, so you can see how this rumor has all kinds of red flags. If any of these Chinese actors show up in the movie, which revolves around a group of Rebel soliders stealing plans to the Death Star, don’t expect to see them brandishing a lightsaber. As of now, nothing has been confirmed by Disney or LucasFilm. Will we see Donnie Yen in a Star Wars movie? That doesn’t sound impossible. It also doesn’t sound like a done deal, either.
