Benicio Del Toro Confirms 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' Villain Role

Though it's still a couple (light) years away, that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning for "Star Wars: Episode VIII," which has had some exciting casting news recently. And that includes the involvement of actor Benicio Del Toro in the production, which the actor just confirmed in a recent interview.

While in Spain promoting his new movie "A Perfect Day," Del Toro spoke to a local radio station about the "Episode VIII" rumors (as translated here by Star Wars 7 News), and let it slip that not only would he be appearing in the flick, but he's playing a villain, too. Here's the key piece of the transcript:

Interviewer: And are you going to shoot something after that?

Benicio Del Toro: No, just... *pause* Star Wars is coming up, we will see how that turns out. I think we start shooting in March.

Interviewer: And what's your role in this new Star Wars chapter?

Benicio: Ehhh.... the thing is.... They don't let me talk too much about it, I'm like the villain.

Interviewer: Oh wow!

Benicio: But.... we'll see...*laughs*

Star Wars 7 News notes that, based on the translation, Del Toro's choice of words about the nature of his part ("I'm like the villain") could convey one of three things:

His character seems to be a villain but actually isn't

He wanted to sort of discredit himself by adding doubt to his statements. (the most likely option)

He really isn't sure about the details of his character, and he is just saying what he has been told "he is like the villain".

While fans parse that statement, there's obviously another interesting detail from the interview: "Episode VIII"'s filming date, which Del Toro said is likely to be in March. That would give director Rian Johnson a little over a year to finish the flick before its March 2017 release date, which may be pushing things a bit, if "Episode VII" director J.J. Abrams's meticulous work (and revised deadlines) is any indication.

We'll have to wait for official word from Disney before any of this is 100 percent confirmed, but we're excited to have the Academy Award-winning Del Toro on board. "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is due in theaters on May 26, 2017.

[via: Rac 1, Star Wars 7 News, h/t Birth.Movies.Death]

Photo credit: Getty Images



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