Earlier this year, Star Wars: Episode VIII officially began production with Rian Johnson taking over the director’s chair from J.J. Abrams. With most of the returning cast already back on set, it’s no surprise that thoughts and tidbits are starting to trickle out. Like when Adam Driver — currently promoting his new film, Midnight Special — offered up a small update about the state of the Star Wars universe after the events of The Force Awakens.
“They’re still at war. It’s still Star Wars,” said Driver during a brief interview with Entertainment Weekly. “They’re not at peace.” That’s not exactly a shock: blowing up two Death Stars didn’t bring down the Empire, why should Starkiller Base’s destruction be any different for The First Order?
If Episode VIII begins immediately after the events of The Force Awakens, then Driver’s character, Kylo Ren may still be in bad shape after his part in the climactic lightsaber battle. It’s easy to forget that Kylo Ren was injured before his confrontation with Rey and Finn. If Supreme Leader Snoke follows through with his plan to complete Kylo Ren’s training, then he may not be so easily beaten in the next film.
While speaking with EW, Driver also offered his thoughts about Johnson and Abrams. “Their temperaments are different,” related Driver. “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 scheduled to be released on Friday, December 15, 2017.
Are you looking forward to seeing what Johnson is bringing to Episode VIII? What do you think should happen to Kylo Ren in the sequel? Let us know in the comment section below!
Since we’re talkin’ Star Wars: Episode VIII, how about we dissect those set photos, eh?
—
Image Credit: Vanity Fair/Lucasfilm
