It looks like Benicio Del Toro will be menacing a few Jedis in the upcoming Star Wars Episode VIII directed by Rian Johnson….
Benicio Del Toro — known for his role in dozens of hit movies including an Oscar winning performance in ‘Traffic’ as well as playing The Collector in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy — is closing in on a deal to join Star Wars Episode VII from director Rian Johnson.
An offer was reportedly made to Del Toro back in July and now the actor is confirming that it appears his ‘Star Wars’ deal is almost done.
“I can’t tell you much about it but I think that it might happen. It looks like it’s gonna happen so I’m very excited,” Del Toro said in a recent interview.
There are no details on the film, especially considering the fact that it will follow up ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ which won’t even open until December 18. The role Del Toro is reportedly playing will be a major villain in the sequel set for release on May 26, 2017.
It’s curious that Del Toro is up for a featured villain role considering how many new bad guys are expected to debut in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ including Adam Driver as the broad sword lightsaber wielding Kylo Ren as well as Domhnall Gleeson playing First Order leader General Hux. Del Toro could play an additional villain in the franchise or take over if someone doesn’t quite make it out alive from ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’.
Either way, Del Toro is keeping mum on his role because the creators and producers behind ‘Star Wars’ would have his head otherwise.
“I can’t talk too much about it. The script is hard to get. They told me they’d cut my finger if I talk about it,” Del Toro said with a smile.
Johnson — best known for his work on the film ‘Looper’ — will take over directorial duties from J.J. Abrams, who is leading the upcoming film coming out on December 18. Following the release of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ we might get a better idea of the kind of role Del Toro might be playing
H/T: TV Guide
