Disney Postpones New ‘Star Wars’ Movie’s Release to December 2017

Disney has just announced that the release of Star Wars: Episode VIII is delayed until December 2017.

You’ll have to wait a little longer for the next “Star Wars” film to hit the big screen.

Rian Johnson is reportedly rewriting his script for Stars Wars: Episode VIII. Actors John Boyega, Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac, alongside actress Daisy Ridley, will all be reprising their respective roles in the upcoming installment.

JJ Abrams mentioned during the run-up to The Force Awakens that he could have released the film much sooner than its original date, but used the extra time to fine-tune the finished product.

Toymakers Hasbro Inc and Mattel Inc are some of the biggest licensees of “Star Wars” products. The film is being directed by Gareth Edwards, who is most well known for his 2014 reboot of Godzilla. It’s now the highest-grossing movie in US history, and is also the third highest-grossing movie worldwide, with its current global cume standing at $1.88 billion.

The movie is in pre-production, with filming set to begin next month in London, the studios said.

Disney has announced the release date for the sci-fi sequel has been moved from May 26, 2017 to December 15 of the same year.

Franchise veterans Carrie Fisher (General Leia) and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) are expected to return, although Disney did not comment on the casting.

Previously scheduled for a July 7, 2017 release, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” has taken the vacated May 26 spot.