It seems like just yesterday that Benicio Del Toro was trying to buy an Infinity Stone from Gamora and Star-Lord as The Collector in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Now, the Puerto Rican actor is taking his talents to a galaxy far, far away in a villainous new role in Star Wars: Episode VIII. Though the news had been previously rumored, Del Toro confirmed both that he is in the film and when it will begin filming in a new interview. How do we feel about this news? I think Del Toro said it best:

Speaking with Spanish outlet Rac1.org, Del Toro revealed that nestled among other projects on his upcoming slate of work is a little film called Star Wars: Episode VIII. Not only that, he revealed when the film will begin shooting:

“Star Wars is coming up, we will see how that turns out. I think we start shooting in March.”

Del Toro also confirmed rumors that he would be playing a villain in the Rian Johnson-directed film…but that was pretty much the only thing he could reveal.

“Ehhh, the thing is, they don’t let me talk too much about it. I’m like the villain. But we’ll see.”

The wording of his quote — “like the villain” — has been the subject of some heated online debate already. My best guess is that Del Toro will be playing a guy who will prove to be a thorn in the side of our heroes, but isn’t necessarily operating as an agent of The First Order. Maybe he’ll be a Jabba the Hutt-like figure. No, not a gigantic lecherous slug-beast; rather, an unscrupulous crimelord who proves to be just as dangerous as the lightsaber-wielding baddies chasing our heroes across the galaxy far, far away.

So, there you have it, folks! With Star Wars: The Force Awakens opening on December 18, 2015 and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story releasing on December 16, 2016, we’ll have plenty of ways to get our Force fix between now and Episode VIII‘s May 26, 2017 release date. Now, the important business of speculating about the subtitle can begin. My vote is for Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Force Woke Up Too Early and Needs a Power Nap, But We Promise We’ll Rally in Like 20 Minutes or So. 

In the meantime, make the wait shorter by finding out what would be on Del Toro’s version of the Awesome Mix, Vol. 1:

What do you think of this development? Who would you like to see Del Toro play? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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HT: Slashfilm

IMAGE: Disney/Marvel