Rian Johnson Shares New ‘Star Wars: Episode 8’ Set Photos
Like withStar Wars: The Force Awakens, production onStar Wars: Episode 8has managed to keep its veil of secrecy almost completely intact. Other than distant photographs of the sets being constructed in Ireland andblurry photos of aliens and stuntmenin Dubrovnik, Disney and Lucasfilm’s investment in extensive security (which reportedly includes drones designed to take down other drones equipped with cameras) has paid off. So far. Filming isn’t done yet.
Our best look at the film’s sets so far have come from directorRian Johnson, who occasionally shares behind-the-scenes images on his social media. Now, he’s shared two new images and announced that filming had officially reached the halfway point.
Johnson revealed the news and the photographs on hisTumblr page, where he also announced thatEpisode 8has hit a production milestone:
I can’t believe we’re halfway through the shoot. (We’re halfway through the shoot!)
Since the title ofStar Wars: The Force Awakenswas only revealed when the film had finished principal photography, this may also mean that we’re halfway to learning what this new movie will actually be called.
First things first: let’s turn our attention to those new images from the set. First up is a shot of a Resistance X-Wing, complete with a crew member cleaning the window (“Good. Bad. I’m the guy with the microfiber sham,” Johnson deadpans on his Tumblr). I’ve done a bunch of squinting at this image and I’ve come to the conclusion that the pilot sitting in the cockpit is no one we have seen in aStar Warsmovie before. The graininess of the image makes me wonder if we’re looking at Noah Segan,who has seemingly joined the cast, but that’s just a wild guess. Ignore it. I’m just saying words.
There’s less to dig into with the second picture, which features a First Order Operative standing at some kind of console while a crew member, armed with another microfiber sham, gives everything a good wipe. Much like the set designs on The Force Awakens, this looks like it was torn straight out of the original trilogy.
Johnson’s Tumblr posts are infrequent, but they occasionally offer just enough meat for fans to chew on, should they desire something to chew. Just earlier this month,he teased the return of Lupita Nyong’o’s Maz Kanatawith a new photograph.
Star Wars: Episode 8may be halfway through filming, but it won’t be in theaters untilDecember 15, 2017. Get comfortable.
