IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

'Star Wars: Episode VIII' Title Revealed

Disney and Lucasfilm announced on Monday that the next chapter in the space opera saga will be named "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."
FILES-US-ENTERTAINMENT-FILM-STAR WARS
This file photo taken on November 24, 2015 shows aStar Wars logo sign inside Rancho Obi-Wan, the world's largest private collection of Star Wars memorabilia, in Petaluma, California. The next chapter in the beloved blockbuster "Star Wars" saga has a title: Episode VIII will tell the tale of "The Last Jedi." Lucasfilm on January 23, 2017 released the title without additional explanation. The film, directed by Rian Johnson, is due in theaters on December 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Josh EdelsonJOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty ImagesJOSH EDELSON / AFP - Getty Images
/ Source: Reuters

The title for "Star Wars: Episode VIII" has finally been revealed.

Disney and Lucasfilm annouced on Monday that the next chapter in the space opera saga will be named "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

"The Last Jedi," written and directed by Rian Johnson, immediately follows the events of 2015's smash hit "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

The film stars Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis. The cast also includes the late Carrie Fisher, who died on Dec. 27. The actress, who played Princess Leia Organa, had wrapped shooting before her death. Lucasfilm said earlier this month that it won't digitally recreate Fisher in upcoming movies. Leia was also originally slated to appear in the ninth film, which begins filming in 2018.

Image: Darth Mykolaiovych Vader, who is dressed as the 'Star Wars' character Darth Vader, poses for a picture with a lightsaber, Dec. 3, 2015.
Darth Mykolaiovych Vader, who is dressed as the 'Star Wars' character Darth Vader, poses for a picture with a lightsaber, Dec. 3, 2015.Valentyn Ogirenko / Reuters

Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, and Kelly Marie Tran will also appear in "The Last Jedi."

Related:‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Becomes Highest Grossing Domestic Movie of All Time

Johnson said in a recent interview that the epic will explore the motivations of the hero trio — Rey, Finn, and Poe — and Rey's connection with Luke.

"I wanted to know more about each of them, and that doesn't just mean information or backstory," Johnson told USA Today. "Figure out what's the most difficult thing each of them could be challenged with now — let's throw that at them and dig into what really makes them tick by seeing how they handle that."

Related: Watch Tina Fey's return to 'SNL' — as a 'Star Wars'-style hologram

The pic is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman, and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.