Benicio Del Toro Wanted As A Villain For Star Wars: Episode VIII

Sources tell THR that Benicio Del Toro is a contender for a role, likely that of a villain, for the Lucasfilm/Disney movie, which will be directed by Rian Johnson.

That’s because Disney will finally unleash STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS to the masses, setting off a new era of Star Wars films for a whole new generation of movie-goers. Abrams’ diverse vision for the “Star Wars” universe that will be led by John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac going forward. Sort of the Emperor character of the sequel trilogy? Comic-Con revealed that Domnall Gleeson would play General Hux, a high ranking military officer in the newly established First Order, with Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) working under him, though it is unclear if they will appear in sequels. However, negotiations between the two sides are in the “very early stages”. Now casting news might be surfacing including early reports indicating that Benicio Del Toro is being considered for a role in the upcoming space saga. Variety has since chimed in that Joaquin Phoenix is another possibility.

Del Toro is said to have an offer, although whether a deal can be made remains unclear. Also, returning to work on Episode VIII will be Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy. He’s also known for his roles in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Usual Suspects and more recently The Collector in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. He was also reportedly in talks to play Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness, though that role eventually went to Benedict Cumberbatch.