rian johnson

The cast of Star Wars: The Force Awakens barely got a few weeks to catch their breath after the whirlwind that surrounded that film’s massive success at the box office before they were called back to London’s Pinewood Studios to start it all over again. Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed this morning that Lucasfilm and director Rian Johnson have officially commenced principal photography on Star Wars: Episode 8.

If you loved Star Wars: The Force Awakens and can’t wait for the adventures of Finn, Rey, and Poe to continue in Star Wars: Episode VIII, uh, you’re going to have to.

One of the biggest questions we’re left with at the end of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is who are Rey’s parents? There are a few popular theories floating around online, and while we’ll have to wait until Episode 8 or maybe even Episode 9 to get that answer, Colin Trevorrow promises that we won’t be disappointed when Rey’s lineage is revealed.

J.J. Abrams revved up the engine on the ol’ Star Wars ship, launching the series on a new journey with The Force Awakens, but declining to return for the subsequent sequels. Instead, Rian Johnson (Looper) and Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) will be steering the franchise from here on out, directing Episodes 8 and 9, respectively. Johnson is in production on Episode 8 right now, and according to The Force Awakens star Daisy Ridley, the script is “very good.” How good? Abrams regrets turning down the chance to direct it.

Just when you thought Star Wars might lay a little low this week after unleashing a new trailer, posters and a TV spot, we’ve got a couple of updates on the franchise, as Lucasfilm has released a new set of behind the scenes photos from The Force Awakens, while director J.J. Abrams is opening up about his involvement in the franchise, both present and future.

For months it’s been rumored, now it’s confirmed: Rian Johnson, the writer and director of Brick and Looper is officially the writer and director of Star Wars: Episode VIII. Disney CEO Robert Iger also revealed to company shareholders today that Episode VIII has its official release date: May 26, 2017 — 40 years and a single day after the release of the very first Star Wars back in 1977.

Let's be real: everyone wants to be in the new 'Star Wars' movies (well, except for Jason Statham), and that includes Marvel star Mark Ruffalo, who famously plays The Hulk/Bruce Banner in 'The Avengers.' While the cast for 'Star Wars: Episode 7' is already filled up, there's still hope for the actor to join 'Star Wars: Episode 8,' and he's already e-mailed his old buddy Rian Johnson to ask for a part ... any part.

ScreenCrush’s WookieLeaks is a weekly roundup of everything 'Star Wars'! From 'Star Wars: Episode 7,' to the upcoming spinoffs and the TV shows, if it pertains to that long ago, far away galaxy, we’re covering it here, bringing you our expert analysis. This week, we parse through a whole bunch of crazy new rumors, learn when 'Star Wars Rebels' will premiere, and salivate over a new 'Star Wars' board game.

When J.J. Abrams was brought on to direct 'Star Wars: Episode 7,' and eventually to rework the script with Lawrence Kasdan, he was not guaranteed to work on the other installments in the new trilogy -- that job will be (partly) going to 'Looper' director Rian Johnson!

The talk on everyone's lips this week is both that of Rian Johnson's "Joe Go Lev" sci-fi time-travel actioner 'Looper,' opening Friday, as well as Saturday's pivotal 'Doctor Who' that says goodbye to several fan-favorite characters.  We'd even heard a bit about 'The Hobbit' director Peter Jackson looking to try his hand at directing 'Doctor Who,' but what are the odds that Rian Johnson's