Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Star Wars 8: Laura Dern joins cast

Filming is officially underway for The Force Awakens' follow-up

Jacob Stolworthy
Monday 15 February 2016 15:18 GMT
Comments
Laura Dern will appear in 'Star Wars: Episode VIII'
Laura Dern will appear in 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Laura Dern has joined the cast of Star Wars: Episode VIII.

The casting announcement comes as cameras officially begin rolling on the sequel to JJ Abrams' The Force Awakens.

As you would expect, it is unclear who Dern will play but she joins the likes of John Boyega (Finn), Daisy Ridley (Rey) and Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) who all reprise their roles for the upcoming sequel.

Benicio del Toro will also star in the as-of-yet unnamed sequel as the primary villain.

On directing duties is Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper) who has personally announced the commencement of filming on-set in this new production video.

Dern's credits include Jurassic Park and Wild as well as the David Lynch films Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart and Inland Empire. She was recently confirmed to be starring in Lynch's revival of his popular television series Twin Peaks which will premiere early 2017.

Star Wars: Episode VIII was originally due for release May 2017, but will now be released that December.

Gareth Edwards' spin-off prequel Rogue One, starring Felicity Jones, Riz Ahmed and Ben Mendelsohn, will be released this coming December

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in