With "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" drifting away in the rearview mirror, we find ourselves looking forward to Rian Johnson's "Star Wars: Episode VIII" which recently began filming and even added a new name to the cast. Two-time Academy Award nominee Laura Dern, best known as Dr. Ellie Staler in the "Jurassic Park" franchise, will be leaving prehistoric dinosaurs behind for a galaxy far, far away.
Thanks to the official Star Wars website, we know this casting is the real deal and not one of the unsubstantiated rumors generated by Internet phantoms. Dern joins Benicio Del Toro, who was cast several months ago, as the other big-name new face. Newcomer Kelly Marie Tran will also be joining the cast.
Unfortunately, no information is yet known about their respective roles. However, it is believed that Del Toro is playing some kind of villain. The Dern casting admittedly caught us off guard as her name had not been mentioned a single time in relation to the ever-growing "Star Wars" universe. Though she has first-hand experience with worldwide blockbusters thanks to her "Jurassic Park" role, it is her Oscar-nominated work in "Rambling Rose" and 2014's "Wild" that has us really excited about this casting. Talent trumps all, and Dern has definitely got it.
Tran's current filmography only lists a small amount of TV appearances and unknown short films. However, her inexperience isn't necessarily a bad thing. Who knew Daisy Ridley's name before she stole our hearts as Rey in "The Force Awakens?" Lucasfilm has earned the trust of audiences when it comes to casting decisions.
Dern and Tran are likely the winning candidates for two new female roles that recently underwent some rewrites. Though their parts may not take up a lot of screen time, we're still excited to meet them.
"Star Wars: Episode VIII" will arrive in Dec. 2017.
