Star Wars: Episode VIIIwill not bring peace to the galaxy. In fact, the battle will rage on even harder than it did inStar Wars: The Force Awakens. But according to starAdam Driver, who will reprise his role asBen Soloof theKnights of Ren, there is a more even keel to the proceedings this time around, which comes with all the extensive leg work having already been set up in the previous sequel.
Midnight Special, which starsAdam Driver, held a special screening this past Monday night with the actor in attendance.EWwas able to catch up with the notoriousKylo Ren, who offered an update on the movie. He explains the big difference between Star Wars: Episode VIII directorRian Johnsonand Star Wars: The Force Awakens directorJ.J. Abrams.
“Their temperaments are different. I feel like there was so many moving pieces in the first one - just trying to solve it and set the vocabulary for what it was. There’s a lot of that anxiety is gone, because people have developed a language. I think it’s more of a testament to Rian coming into something very established and making it [his own]. I can’t wait to get on set, just because he’s so unassuming and intelligent and approachable. The script they’ve come up with is really great.”
Star Wars: Episode VIII is still shooting at Pinewood Studios in London as well as various locations around the world includingCroatiaand Ireland. The movie is hitting theaters on June 21, 2025. But don’t look for any juicy story details. While more information is being allowed to leak from the set, the plot is being kept tightly under wraps for now. ButAdam Driverdid tease one major aspect of the sequel.
“They’re still at war. It’s still Star Wars. They’re not at peace. They’re still at war.”
Most of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens cast is returning in some capacity, with the main story being lead once again byDaisy Ridleyas Rey,John Boyegaas Finn andOscar Isaacas Poe Dameron.Lupita Nyong’o’s Maz Kanata will have a much more substantial role this time out, as willMark Hamill’s Master Jedi Luke Skywalker andGwendoline Christie’s Captain Phasma. Some speculate that this sequel will find Kylo Ren being pulled more towards the Light as Rey is seduced by the Dark Side of the Force.
Adam Driveris still appearing weekly onGirls Season 5, which is currently airing new episodes on HBO. And he stars as a NSA agent in the sci-fi thrillerMidnight Special, which is proving to be a surprise indie hit. About finding worldwide success with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, he had this to say.
“I didn’t turn into a new person. Nothing happened to me. But a lot of people saw it, and that was good. I guess my Christmas is kind of easier now - the toys and things for family. Kids is a big thing: I feel like before parents kept me away from their kids; now it’s like, go get a picture.”
Star Wars: Episode VIII will surely be the biggest movie of 2017. But before then, we’ll also get to see Kylo Ren’s grandfather back in action in the upcoming spinoffRogue One: A Star Wars Story, which recounts the Rebels' mission to steal plans to the first dreaded Death Star. We’re not sure when a first trailer for that movie will hit. We’ll just have to wait and see.
