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What’s New in the First STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII Set Photos?

Our next trip to the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Episode VIII, is already two weeks into shooting. Rian Johnson is now in the director’s chair, which means J.J. Abrams’ “Mystery Box” is closed, and Johnson’s “Riddle Parcel” is now open for business. The first riddle we will obsess over for the next 22 months is just what the heck are they shooting in Croatia next month?

Set photos have already leaked from the freshly-dressed eastern European location, and while rumors point to a major chase scene taking place in these shots, we’re more interested in the revelation that an urban city street will be popping up in the newest chapter of the intergalactic saga. Unlike the dusty desert villages, isolated cantinas, and rigid army bases seen in The Force Awakens, the stony city streets of Dubrovnik have been Star Wars-ified and incorporated into the new set pieces. We can’t wait to see what kind of trouble our new favorite heroes could get into in a bustling downtown scene. Super fun Ferris Bueller-esque montage, anyone? Also happening in Croatia: a drone showdown, between the prying eye-in-the-sky paparazzi drones and the counter-gossip drones enlisted by Disney to keep snoops away from the closed sets.

Join Jessica Chobot for more on the real-life drone wars going down, details on which actors have been called to set in Croatia, and all things Star Wars on today’s Nerdist News!

Thanks for watching today’s show! Make sure to check out the latest episode of The Dan Cave, where Dan Casey is celebrating Pokémon‘s 20th birthday with a list of the best and weirdest fan-made Pokémon games!

Which location from the Star Wars universe you think the city streets of Croatia could be standing in for? Which villain do you think Benicio Del Toro is playing? Let us know in the comments below!

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